Positive Note
Positive Note
June 14, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note: 2079
Dear Federation Family,
While it may not be official just yet, summer has definitely arrived in South Carolina! It is currently 96 degrees at the time of the writing of this Positive Note. Summer activities abound inside and outside of the Federation. Vacation Bible School is a huge thing in my area. Earlier today I walked through the education wing and Family Life Center of my church, which had been transformed into a veritable rainforest. There will be lots of learning, laughter and fun next week as children and adults enjoy VBS.
During these busy times with other activities, it can be difficult to stay focused on the priorities of the National Federation of the Blind as a whole. I encourage you to remain engaged with our podcasts, The Braille Monitor, Future Reflections and other publications to stay abreast of what is happening and important items needing our attention. The National Office does an outstanding job of making members aware of current events impacting the blind. If you are not on mailing lists or you do not know where to find podcasts, reach out and I or a designee will assist you with getting connected.
I am currently assisting Dr. Tina Herzberg with the Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Learners class this summer. We started a session on artificial intelligence (AI), which will extend into the next class. Sarah Massengale will present in that session as well. In this class, students shared how they are using AI and a few new use cases came up which I will pass along here. One student told us she uses AI to take a picture of a room such as her living room and then asks AI to suggest what it could look like in a variety of arrangements. Another student uses AI for meal prep. She takes a picture of the inside of her refrigerator or pantry and asks AI what she can make with the items on hand. We can leverage AI to continue to live the lives we want!
2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships
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 www.nfbofsc.org. 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 email at scholarships@nfbofsc.org. Finally, help us spread the word—if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school, encourage them to apply.
FUNDRAISER EXTENDED TO HELP MORE FAMILIES
Thanks to the generosity of the Penny Duffy Fund, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was able to support five families this July. Each family received a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National Convention in Austin, TX. The Penny Duffy Fund was established in loving memory of Penny Duffy, who had a deep passion for the National Convention. The fund helps families who could not otherwise afford to attend. It lets them share in the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued so deeply. You can help even more families have this experience. To support the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes: (1) Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and (2) Eone Bradley Watch. A donation of $20 for each entry per prize is required. This fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Get your tickets at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs/viewform?edit_requested=true.
Palmetto Convention Grants
The Palmetto Convention Grant application for first-time attendees to the NFB of SC State Convention is now available on the home page of the NFB of SC website at www.nfbofsc.org. Please pass the word along to your chapter members, division members, fellow Federationists, and anyone else who fits the bill. We will award four grants in the amount of $300 each. The application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division
The Computer Science & 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.
Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division
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 Frankandshelley51@gmail.com. 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.
NFB of SC State Convention Registration
You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates, and community members from across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, and time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August 13–16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit www.nfbofsc.org and select “State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration.”
NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration
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 is 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 https://hil.tn/lkz9ef. 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:
- The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.
- When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the entire stay.
- There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.
It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking account.
Things to Remember
- NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June 20, 2026.
- Palmetto Convention Grant applications due by June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention end on July 22, 2026.
- NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.
- Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
- Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.
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
June 14, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note: 2079
Dear Federation Family,
While it may not be official just yet, summer has definitely arrived in South Carolina! It is currently 96 degrees at the time of the writing of this Positive Note. Summer activities abound inside and outside of the Federation. Vacation Bible School is a huge thing in my area. Earlier today I walked through the education wing and Family Life Center of my church, which had been transformed into a veritable rainforest. There will be lots of learning, laughter and fun next week as children and adults enjoy VBS.
During these busy times with other activities, it can be difficult to stay focused on the priorities of the National Federation of the Blind as a whole. I encourage you to remain engaged with our podcasts, The Braille Monitor, Future Reflections and other publications to stay abreast of what is happening and important items needing our attention. The National Office does an outstanding job of making members aware of current events impacting the blind. If you are not on mailing lists or you do not know where to find podcasts, reach out and I or a designee will assist you with getting connected.
I am currently assisting Dr. Tina Herzberg with the Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Learners class this summer. We started a session on artificial intelligence (AI), which will extend into the next class. Sarah Massengale will present in that session as well. In this class, students shared how they are using AI and a few new use cases came up which I will pass along here. One student told us she uses AI to take a picture of a room such as her living room and then asks AI to suggest what it could look like in a variety of arrangements. Another student uses AI for meal prep. She takes a picture of the inside of her refrigerator or pantry and asks AI what she can make with the items on hand. We can leverage AI to continue to live the lives we want!
2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships
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 www.nfbofsc.org. 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 email at scholarships@nfbofsc.org. Finally, help us spread the word—if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school, encourage them to apply.
FUNDRAISER EXTENDED TO HELP MORE FAMILIES
Thanks to the generosity of the Penny Duffy Fund, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was able to support five families this July. Each family received a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National Convention in Austin, TX. The Penny Duffy Fund was established in loving memory of Penny Duffy, who had a deep passion for the National Convention. The fund helps families who could not otherwise afford to attend. It lets them share in the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued so deeply. You can help even more families have this experience. To support the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes: (1) Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and (2) Eone Bradley Watch. A donation of $20 for each entry per prize is required. This fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Get your tickets at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs/viewform?edit_requested=true.
Palmetto Convention Grants
The Palmetto Convention Grant application for first-time attendees to the NFB of SC State Convention is now available on the home page of the NFB of SC website at www.nfbofsc.org. Please pass the word along to your chapter members, division members, fellow Federationists, and anyone else who fits the bill. We will award four grants in the amount of $300 each. The application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division
The Computer Science & 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.
Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division
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 Frankandshelley51@gmail.com. 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.
NFB of SC State Convention Registration
You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates, and community members from across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, and time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August 13–16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit www.nfbofsc.org and select “State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration.”
NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration
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 is 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 https://hil.tn/lkz9ef. 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:
- The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.
- When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the entire stay.
- There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.
It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking account.
Things to Remember
- NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June 20, 2026.
- Palmetto Convention Grant applications due by June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention end on July 22, 2026.
- NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.
- Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
- Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.
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