Positive Note
Positive Note
May 25, 2025
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note 2024
Dear Federation Family,
Monday, May 26, 2025 is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor and remember military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. Originating after the Civil War, it was first known as Decoration Day, when Americans decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. Over time, it evolved to commemorate all U.S. military members who sacrificed their lives in service. Memorial Day serves not only as a day of mourning and reflection but also as a reminder of the cost of freedom. Ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries are common ways people pay their respects.
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina members have enthusiastically begun making reservations to attend the NFB of SC state convention in August, 2025! I appreciate those who have registered as early registration assists with good planning for the convention. Please keep the registrations coming as we would love to exceed our attendance in 2024!
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.
National Convention Registration
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.
NFB 25 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.
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.
From Steve Cook – NFB of SC Registration Link
The registration link for the NFB of SC 2025 State Convention is now available! All you need to do is go to www.nfbofsc.org and look for the heading “2025 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention Registration.” Read all of the information before you click on the link to access the registration form. Let me know if you have any questions about filling out the form. I will be glad to assist people in filling out the form if you contact me at 803-260-1292. Even if you do not plan to pay with PayPal, you can still fill out your registration information using the online form.
Palmetto Convention Grants
The 2025 Palmetto Convention Grant offers three $200 awards to help first-time in-person members attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina state convention. To qualify, applicants must be dues-paying members in good standing, registered for the convention and hotel, and must submit a completed application packet by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The application must include a personal letter explaining the applicant’s goals and background with the NFB, and a letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or division president. All materials should be emailed as attachments to secretary@nfbofsc.org and preferably typed for accessibility. Contact Shannon Cook via e-mail or via telephone at 803-605-4250 with questions or for additional information.
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.
NFB of SC State Convention
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.
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
May 25, 2025
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note 2024
Dear Federation Family,
Monday, May 26, 2025 is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor and remember military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. Originating after the Civil War, it was first known as Decoration Day, when Americans decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. Over time, it evolved to commemorate all U.S. military members who sacrificed their lives in service. Memorial Day serves not only as a day of mourning and reflection but also as a reminder of the cost of freedom. Ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries are common ways people pay their respects.
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina members have enthusiastically begun making reservations to attend the NFB of SC state convention in August, 2025! I appreciate those who have registered as early registration assists with good planning for the convention. Please keep the registrations coming as we would love to exceed our attendance in 2024!
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.
National Convention Registration
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.
NFB 25 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.
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.
From Steve Cook – NFB of SC Registration Link
The registration link for the NFB of SC 2025 State Convention is now available! All you need to do is go to www.nfbofsc.org and look for the heading “2025 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention Registration.” Read all of the information before you click on the link to access the registration form. Let me know if you have any questions about filling out the form. I will be glad to assist people in filling out the form if you contact me at 803-260-1292. Even if you do not plan to pay with PayPal, you can still fill out your registration information using the online form.
Palmetto Convention Grants
The 2025 Palmetto Convention Grant offers three $200 awards to help first-time in-person members attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina state convention. To qualify, applicants must be dues-paying members in good standing, registered for the convention and hotel, and must submit a completed application packet by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The application must include a personal letter explaining the applicant’s goals and background with the NFB, and a letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or division president. All materials should be emailed as attachments to secretary@nfbofsc.org and preferably typed for accessibility. Contact Shannon Cook via e-mail or via telephone at 803-605-4250 with questions or for additional information.
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.
NFB of SC State Convention
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.
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