August 2, 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: 2086

Dear Federation Family,

It is with a heavy heart that we begin this Positive Note by extending our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs. Diana Singleton, who went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Diana was “best friends forever” with Debra Canty and a circle of others from the Sumter area and was often found assisting blind people in several ways. She drove groups to important events, assisted individuals at state and national conventions and helped in too many other ways to name here. We extend our love and condolences to her many family members and friends during this difficult time.

Federationists from across the state continue to register for the upcoming National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. We are excited to see so much interest. If you have not registered and plan to do so, please complete this process as quickly as possible. I will have to give the hotel final meal counts approximately a week before the event, and we need to be as accurate as possible. If you need assistance with the online registration form, please reach out to me, and I will be glad to assist you. The convention promises to be exciting and uplifting!

Rocky Bottom update

Repairs to the camp are progressing. The front deck on the administration building has been replaced with marine-grade composite decking, and handrails were added across the front for safety. The side exit from the kitchen deck and stairs have also been replaced. The exterior set of steps coming down from the Osterneck living room over the previous caretaker’s apartment has also been replaced. Thank you to everyone who helped raise funds for these projects. There are many other repairs and upgrades desperately needed. Please come by the Rocky Bottom table at the state convention and give what you can. The table will feature Senior Camp, Children’s Camp and Rocky Bottom fundraisers, 50/50 raffles and various items for sale.

Brick by Brick – Shannon Cook

We will hold our next meeting of the NFB of SC Brick by Brick: How We Build the Federation next Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. 

If you are new to the Federation and have questions about how the Federation is structured on local, state and national levels, or are a longtime member who wants a refresher, join us. Come with your questions ready. If they are not covered during this meeting, they may be the inspiration for our next meeting. 

Call-in information:

Phone number: 929-205-6099

Meeting ID: 803 254 3777

Passcode: 124578

Join the Brick by Brick Zoom meeting

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,8032543777#

I look forward to sharing information and discussing the Federation with you then.

Banquet Fundraiser

Our Annual Banquet Fundraiser will occur on Saturday evening at the end of the banquet. Some have already made banquet donations, and we appreciate your generous contributions to the NFB of SC. We will accept donations before the banquet and at the banquet. Any pledges are due by December 31, 2026, to avoid any challenges with our financial statement. At the banquet, we will only receive donations to the NFB of SC. Read further for additional information about our beloved Rocky Bottom!

Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind Exhibit Table

I am excited to share with you that Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind will have a table in the exhibit hall this year. If you or your chapter have donations for Rocky Bottom, please drop them at the Rocky Bottom table. Various items will be available there as well. There is more to come on RBRCCB as an exhibitor.

Blind Merchants Division – Belinda Banks

As we get excited and gear up for the 2026 State Convention, we want to remind everyone that starting Friday, August 14, 2026, the Blind Merchants will be selling $15 snack bags until they are gone. These bags are a great way to support our merchants and grab some tasty treats, so don’t wait until the last minute to get yours!

Opening Reception

You’re Invited! 2026 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Annual State Convention Reception Theme: Simply Me: Beyond Sight

Join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship and self-expression as we embrace this year’s reception theme, Simply Me: Beyond Sight. The theme celebrates confidence, authenticity, resilience and the unique journey of living as a blind person. It reminds us that blindness is only one part of who we are, and that our character, talents, determination and commitment to living the lives we want define us. The evening will be filled with fellowship, interactive activities, engaging conversations and a themed photo area. Members can share how their personal style, confidence or Federation journey reflects who they are. Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime friends or meeting new members for the first time, this welcoming reception is one you won’t want to miss. Attire is casual to semi-formal, so come dressed as the best version of yourself. That could mean neat jeans and a T-shirt, a polo, a blouse, smart casual or semi-formal attire, whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident and authentically you. Simply Me. Beyond Sight. Confident. Authentic. Unapologetically You. We can’t wait to celebrate you and what makes each of us uniquely who we are, and we look forward to seeing you there!

AI Tip or Trick

Recently, I was assisting someone with getting Seeing AI set up and configured on the iPhone. I use it infrequently, so I prompted Claude to provide an overview of how Seeing AI can be used and the most common configuration on the iPhone for ease of use. Claude provided an excellent overview and step-by-step instructions for configuring the app on the iPhone. The possibilities are endless for how AI can assist us in our daily lives!

Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10. Cash is always welcome!

Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science and 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, South Carolina 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, South Carolina 29169.

Things to Remember

• Brick by Brick – Tuesday, August 4, 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