Positive Note

August 31, 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: 2090

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

You will observe that this Positive Note is a day later than I typically send them out. Someone told me that I would not understand how I had time to work once I retired, and those words have proven to be completely true! Days are filled with Federation responsibilities and many things happening personally that currently impact my time. I appreciate all of you who take time to give to the Federation even though you also have very busy work schedules and other activities you enjoy that are not related to the Federation!

 

It is time to review committee appointments, and I will strive to accomplish this within a reasonable amount of time. I may make some changes in my prerogative as president, but I also want to know where you would like to serve. Please reach out to me by Sunday, September 6, 2026, with any requests you may have.

 

AI Tip or Trick

Another fun AI use case is reassembling an item taken apart during a move. A bedframe was disassembled, and no one can figure out how it goes back together. I plan to use photographs of the bedframe, along with any identifiable information on the frame, to create a prompt for Claude. I want to see whether the chatbot can provide step-by-step instructions for reassembling it. Who wants to buy a new one just because assembly is a problem? I will report back on this use case.

 

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 at a cost of $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.

 

David W. Bundy – District 2 Board Representative

David W. Bundy was elected to the District 2 seat in 2026. He first joined the Federation in 1986 and has attended every state convention since that time. He is the current president of the Columbia Chapter and has previously held the offices of first and second vice president and board member at large in that chapter. He has also served as President of the Computer Science and Technology Division and the SC Association of Blind Students Division and has held other offices in those divisions as well as in the Anderson and At-Large chapters. He has served on several state committees, including chairing the Employer of the Year Committee for the past two years. He has organized the flag ceremony and veterans’ recognition for the past three state conventions.

 

David is a graduate of Crescent High School in Anderson County, holds an AA degree from Anderson College (now Anderson University) and a BA and MSW from the University of South Carolina. He served in the United States Army Reserve and has been employed by the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2001, primarily as an Assistive Technology Consultant.

 

David married Karee in 2026, and together they have six adult children and three grandchildren.

 

David has been a Boy Scout volunteer for the past 20 years and is a founding member of Cornerstone Church of West Columbia, where he serves on the Missions Committee.

 

Things to Remember

  • Statewide Family Fun Day count – September 16, 2026
  • Statewide Family Fun Day – September 26, 2026
  • Blind Equality Achievement Month – October 2026
  • Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing – November 21, 2026

 

 

 

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