Positive Note

Image removed.February 16, 2025

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

Positive Note 2010

843-939-8091  president@nfbofsc.org

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

We are beginning the third week of February which is celebrated as Black History month across the nation. This is a wonderful time to reflect on our influential black leaders within the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and their many contributions to the organization. A few names from the past are Fred Vercher, Dorothy C. Barksdale and Mary Middleton. These influential figures served on the NFB of SC board, Dorothy as an officer, and contributed much to the history of the organization. Let us take time to celebrate this important month as an organization and as a nation.

 

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Board of Directors met on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Federation Center of the Blind.  They addressed important decisions and received critical information regarding the organization. It was a lively group who gathered in the boardroom and there was much laughter with good-natured-teasing as the work of the Federation was conducted. The agenda was relatively short but contained some items with significant weight. As president, it is a pleasure to serve with such a responsive board who take the work they were elected to do seriously.

 

Chairman Thom Spittle held a short Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind board meeting following the NFB of SC board meeting. He provided updates regarding happenings during the winter including the impact of the extremely cold temperatures. So far, this appears to be minimal. There are a few rentals taking place and at least one generous donation which is helping RBRCCB make it through the winter months.

 

District 2 Representative, Andrew Adams, reported on the success of the Annual Sweetheart Ball. There were some 55 attendees who gathered for good food, fellowship and fun. From the descriptions of the people dancing, such as Second Vice President Debra Canty, the evening was enjoyed by all. Vincent Downing of Spartanburg served as the D.J. for this event. Vincent is a musician, singer and D.J. who is blind. I express my appreciation to everyone who made this event a fun evening for all! Thanks to Andrew for his leadership with this initiative!

 

The next Palmetto Connects is schedule for Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. This month’s Palmetto Connects will be hosted by Second Vice President Debra Canty. 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.

 

The Statewide Leadership Seminar will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding by 4:00 PM. This seminar is geared for state and chapter leaders and will contain helpful information as new leaders work to fulfilled their elected roles. Chapter and division reports will happen at the seminar, so consider those things that your chapter or division did well in March 2024 and those areas where improvement is needed. You may just find your answer from another leader in the organization. Please provide a count attending from your chapter or division by Monday, March 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM so that we can plan appropriately for lunch.

 

 

 

NFB National Scholarship Program -- Applications Are Open

The 2025 online scholarship application is available at https://scholarships.nfb.org. All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted no later than March 31, 2025. A list of eligibility requirements, as well as documents containing answers to frequently asked questions, a submissions checklist, and other supporting material can also be found at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Throughout the application period, reminders and information about the scholarship program will appear in the Braille Monitor, on our website, and will be shared via social media. Please share!

 

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.

 

From Andrew Adams, Columbia Chapter President

Join us for our BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind, located at 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205. For just $15 per plate, enjoy: a Pulled Chicken or Pulled Pork Sandwich with Two Sides of Your Choice and a drink. Choice of sides include: Baked Beans, Green Beans, Coleslaw, or Potato Chips. How to Purchase Your Plate. Buy a ticket from any Columbia Chapter member, Pay via PayPal to the NFB of SC with Columbia BBQ in the memo or send a check to the Federation Center of the Blind 119 S. Kilbourne Rd, Columbia SC 29205 with Columbia BBQ in the memo. Not hungry but still want to support the cause? Donations are always appreciated and help us continue our work in the community.

 

Things to remember

  • Palmetto Connects on March 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
  • Columbia Chapter BBQ on March 8, 2025
  • Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 22, 2025
  • National Scholarship Applications due on March 31, 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