Positive Note
Positive Note
December 7, 2025
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note: 2052
Dear Federation Family,
December 7, 2025 marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a turning point in American history. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise strike on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii, destroying ships, killing thousands of service members, and shocking the nation. This event led the United States to enter World War II, shaping global politics and military strategy for decades. Each year, Americans remember this day to honor those who lost their lives, reflect on the cost of war, and recognize how the attack changed the nation’s role in defending freedom around the world.
I attended my first Christmas Party on December 4, 2025 at the Federation Center of the Blind. Federation Center employees including computer instructors were present along with Successful Transitions staff. A federation Center Board Meeting was held in-person and then the party commenced! A good time was had by all! Our thanks to Successful Transitions Director Andrenia Corder who decorated the tables which were beautiful. We also thank Isaiah Nelson and Anita Beasley for the delicious food and a volunteer or two who jumped in to assist with serving the meal. Most of all, I thank each employee that was present or was not present for all that they do in this big program of service to the blind. Everyday, these folks improve the quality of life for other blind people. The importance of their work cannot be understated or overemphasized!
The December Braille Monitor has been published and each member should pay attention to the important articles it contains. Here are a few to consider. There are many more and I encourage you to take a look.
- Convention Bulletin 2026
- Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2026
- Accessible Independent Checkout: Blind-Centered Leadership Makes All the Difference
- iOS 26 and Braille Access: Apple’s Impressive Investment in Braille Literacy
Pillow Auction to Benefit Federation Center of the Blind
Congratulations to SC Parents of Blind Children Leader Sonia Timmons who won the beautiful pillow and $70 in gift cards. Sonia’s bid was $300. We appreciate her continued support of the NFB of SC and its programs!
At-Large Chapter Fundraiser
The At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding an iPad Drawing Fundraiser to support its programs and outreach. The prize is a new 11-inch Apple iPad with an A16 chip and 128 GB of storage. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Payments can be mailed to Ed and Julie Bible, 136 Penny Lane, Lexington, SC 29073, or sent by PayPal to nfbofsc.atlargechapter@gmail.com. The drawing will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the Statewide Seminar, and participants do not need to be present to win.
From Lenora Robertson
The Rock Hill Chapter is selling tickets on a beautiful hand-made quilt quilted by Ms. Pearline Barber. Tickets are one for $5 or three for $10. Contact Lenora Robertson at 803-984-7855 or via e-mail at lrobertson@comporium.net, or any of the Rock Hill Chapter members to get your tickets. Due to increased interest, the drawing has been moved to December 12, 2025 at the chapter Christmas party.
NFB of SC Statewide Seminar
The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Statewide Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 a.m. This will be an exciting kick-off to 2026 and I look forward to seeing you there. Chapter presidents should let David Houck know how many are attending by close of business on Monday, January 5, 2026 so that food preparations can be made. Call David at 803-254-3777 or e-mail him at federationcenter@nfbofsc.org.
Things to Remember
- Rock Hill Chapter drawing on December 12, 2025
- Banquet pledges due by December 31, 2025
- State dues due on December 31, 2025
- Statewide Seminar on January 10, 2026
- At-Large drawing on January 10, 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
B
December 7, 2025
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note: 2052
Dear Federation Family,
December 7, 2025 marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a turning point in American history. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise strike on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii, destroying ships, killing thousands of service members, and shocking the nation. This event led the United States to enter World War II, shaping global politics and military strategy for decades. Each year, Americans remember this day to honor those who lost their lives, reflect on the cost of war, and recognize how the attack changed the nation’s role in defending freedom around the world.
I attended my first Christmas Party on December 4, 2025 at the Federation Center of the Blind. Federation Center employees including computer instructors were present along with Successful Transitions staff. A federation Center Board Meeting was held in-person and then the party commenced! A good time was had by all! Our thanks to Successful Transitions Director Andrenia Corder who decorated the tables which were beautiful. We also thank Isaiah Nelson and Anita Beasley for the delicious food and a volunteer or two who jumped in to assist with serving the meal. Most of all, I thank each employee that was present or was not present for all that they do in this big program of service to the blind. Everyday, these folks improve the quality of life for other blind people. The importance of their work cannot be understated or overemphasized!
The December Braille Monitor has been published and each member should pay attention to the important articles it contains. Here are a few to consider. There are many more and I encourage you to take a look.
- Convention Bulletin 2026
- Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2026
- Accessible Independent Checkout: Blind-Centered Leadership Makes All the Difference
- iOS 26 and Braille Access: Apple’s Impressive Investment in Braille Literacy
Pillow Auction to Benefit Federation Center of the Blind
Congratulations to SC Parents of Blind Children Leader Sonia Timmons who won the beautiful pillow and $70 in gift cards. Sonia’s bid was $300. We appreciate her continued support of the NFB of SC and its programs!
At-Large Chapter Fundraiser
The At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding an iPad Drawing Fundraiser to support its programs and outreach. The prize is a new 11-inch Apple iPad with an A16 chip and 128 GB of storage. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Payments can be mailed to Ed and Julie Bible, 136 Penny Lane, Lexington, SC 29073, or sent by PayPal to nfbofsc.atlargechapter@gmail.com. The drawing will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the Statewide Seminar, and participants do not need to be present to win.
From Lenora Robertson
The Rock Hill Chapter is selling tickets on a beautiful hand-made quilt quilted by Ms. Pearline Barber. Tickets are one for $5 or three for $10. Contact Lenora Robertson at 803-984-7855 or via e-mail at lrobertson@comporium.net, or any of the Rock Hill Chapter members to get your tickets. Due to increased interest, the drawing has been moved to December 12, 2025 at the chapter Christmas party.
NFB of SC Statewide Seminar
The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Statewide Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 a.m. This will be an exciting kick-off to 2026 and I look forward to seeing you there. Chapter presidents should let David Houck know how many are attending by close of business on Monday, January 5, 2026 so that food preparations can be made. Call David at 803-254-3777 or e-mail him at federationcenter@nfbofsc.org.
Things to Remember
- Rock Hill Chapter drawing on December 12, 2025
- Banquet pledges due by December 31, 2025
- State dues due on December 31, 2025
- Statewide Seminar on January 10, 2026
- At-Large drawing on January 10, 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