Positive Note
Positive Note
October 25, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 [email protected]
Positive Note: 2098
Dear Federation Family,
There are many activities that Federationists have been involved in recently, and I am sharing snapshots of these activities in this Positive Note. Please share with others who may not read this weekly communication.
Welcome Shelly Smith – Chairman Ed Bible
Shelly has joined the management staff of the NFB of SC Federation Center of the Blind (FCB) as Director of Training Services. She will be working closely with David Houck, who is Executive Director of the Federation Center, and Pathronda Anderson, who is Special Projects Coordinator and the most recent winner of the Donald C. Capps Award.
Shelly will lead our access technology instructors. She will maintain and increase the credentials they have so their students are offered the latest software and hardware available. In addition to strengthening our training program, she will also work to expand the number of students referred to us for training. This will involve marketing and networking with businesses and agencies.
Shelly worked out of the home office the week of October 12, 2026, for orientation, training and local appointments on behalf of FCB. Shelly lives in Boiling Springs, SC, with her husband, Scott, and two sons.
Please join me in welcoming Shelly to the team and lend a hand when you can.
Sports and Recreation Interest Meeting
Approximately 25 spirited Federationists gathered on the Palmetto Zoom platform on October 20, 2026, to express interest in revitalizing the Sports and Recreation Division. Sumter Chapter member Marvin Nelson is a highly trained and qualified martial arts instructor, personal trainer and fitness instructor. He is excitedly leading this charge and has done an excellent job of motivating members to participate. At-Large Board Member Janice Bright was the Master of Ceremonies for the meeting and did an outstanding job of keeping the program moving and encouraging members to share their ideas for this division. I look forward to attending the reorganization meeting on November 24, 2026. To vote, you must pay your state dues plus $5 for membership in the Sports and Recreation Division. You can mail a check to the Federation Center or pay using PayPal on the www.nfbofsc.org website.
Abacus Bee
The third annual Abacus Bee was held at the Federation Center of the Blind on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The Abacus Bee is a math competition created by the American Printing House for the Blind and funded by generous stipends from donors through APH. Dr. Tina Herzberg and Alyssa Dickerson Moody from the University of South Carolina Upstate coordinate this event with members from Statewide Blind and Low Vision Education. It truly takes a village to make this one happen. The Federation Center was filled with approximately 22 students, along with their teachers of the visually impaired, parents, siblings and who knows who else, all there to support them. There were six competitions, and students from the SCSDB main campus competed along with others from across the state. The winners in each competition were a good mix of SCSDB campus students and public school students. It was a wonderful day, and we are all deeply grateful to Chairman Ed Bible and the Federation Center staff for allowing us to hold this event at our location.
Rock Hill Chapter Member Turns 100 Years Old
Rock Hill Chapter member Pearline Barber reached 100 years of age on October 18, 2026, and the celebrations continue! The Rock Hill Chapter was invited to her birthday party, which some 450 people attended. It was a celebration for the ages! Ms. Pearline requested that her NFB of SC family be seated near her for the festivities. It was a wonderful time for the people she loves to celebrate her long life. She is our oldest living member. Happy birthday, Ms. Pearline!
Lancaster Chapter #BlindMonth Event
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, First Vice President Lenora Robertson attended the Lancaster Chapter #BlindMonth event where chapter members invited members of the public to learn what is happening in the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina (NFB of SC). The mayor and other dignitaries were present for this event. The church fellowship hall was very well decorated with excellent food provided by the chapter. Lenora reports that a good time was had by all and the Lancaster Chapter represented the NFB of SC admirably!
SC Commission for the Blind Meta Glasses for Veterans
On Friday, October 16, 2026, the SC Commission for the Blind held an event from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM where veterans could come in with the appropriate documentation and receive a free pair of Meta glasses. The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and the Palmetto Council of the Blind were invited to be present for this event in an effort to give veterans information about these organizations. Successful Transitions Consultant Andrenia Corder and Federation Center Special Projects Coordinator Pathronda Anderson staffed our information table and represented our organization well. They had the opportunity to speak with blinded veterans and share information about the NFB of SC. Chairman Ed Bible and his wife, Julie, stopped by to visit with these individuals while Senator Darline Graham was also present. We appreciate being included in opportunities like this one.
Registration Open for 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat
Registration is now open for the 2027 Senior Retreat, a weeklong virtual experience running January 10 through 16, 2027. Participants will learn basic nonvisual techniques from experienced blind instructors who serve as role models. The retreat is designed for seniors 50 and older, but younger participants are welcome too. The $50 fee helps cover the cost of a thumb drive each participant receives after the retreat. Your registration and payment must be received by January 5, 2027. You can find details and the registration form on the 2027 Senior Retreat page or on the main page of the NFB Seniors website. Please help spread the word to anyone who might benefit.
NFB of SC Dues and Chapter Elections
Chapters should begin collecting dues for 2027 and holding elections from October through December. Please provide Thom Spittle with a list of all dues-paying members by December 31, 2026. As elections are held, provide the results to each of the following:
- Marty McKenzie – [email protected]
- Thom Spittle – [email protected]
- Steve Cook, website – [email protected]
- David Houck – [email protected]
This will greatly assist us with recordkeeping. I appreciate your assistance with this request.
AI Tip or Trick
This week’s AI tip comes from a new experience for me. I recently purchased a new range and dishwasher in anticipation of changes to my kitchen. I gave Claude the following prompt: “I purchased two new KitchenAid appliances. The model number and appliances are listed on separate lines below. Find the owner’s manual for both items and place in my Downloads folder. Then, convert both manuals to a searchable Word document, also placing these documents in my Downloads folder. Model #KDTS424SPS KitchenAid Dishwasher
Model #KSES530SPS KitchenAid Stove.” The model numbers were located on my receipt that I received via email. That is so much easier than having a receipt printed in the store. The result was that it located and downloaded the PDF version of the manuals, extracted both to MS-Word format and formatted the documents using headings, deleted the three other languages that I do not need and placed all documents in my Downloads folder. It then prompted me, asking if I wanted the actual manual for the oven on the new range. I responded “yes,” and it proceeded to complete the tasks outlined for the additional manuals. Access to information has come a long way compared to the past.
Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan
The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handcrafted Christmas 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:
- Marty McKenzie – 843-939-8091 or [email protected]
- Glenda Culick – 843-598-3630 or [email protected]
- Trent Tedder – 843-939-8092 or [email protected]
Let’s support one of our smallest chapters.
Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer Tickets – Belvedere Chapter
The Belvedere Chapter is selling raffle tickets for an Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer. It does not require Wi-Fi or an app to operate. Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. You can get them from Frank Loza at 803-617-8016, Gerald McMurray at 803-608-9449 or Pathronda Anderson at 803-269-4354. The winner will be drawn at the Statewide Seminar on January 9, 2027. You do not need to be present to win. Thank you for your support.
Things to Remember
- Blind Equality Achievement Month (#BlindMonth) – October 2026
- Dues and Elections – October 1 through December 31, 2026
- Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing – November 21, 2026
- Sports and Recreation Interest Meeting – November 24, 2026
- Senior Retreat Registration Deadline – January 5, 2027
- Belvedere Chapter Emerson Air Fryer Drawing – January 9, 2027
- Virtual Senior Retreat – January 10–16, 2027
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
October 25, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 [email protected]
Positive Note: 2098
Dear Federation Family,
There are many activities that Federationists have been involved in recently, and I am sharing snapshots of these activities in this Positive Note. Please share with others who may not read this weekly communication.
Welcome Shelly Smith – Chairman Ed Bible
Shelly has joined the management staff of the NFB of SC Federation Center of the Blind (FCB) as Director of Training Services. She will be working closely with David Houck, who is Executive Director of the Federation Center, and Pathronda Anderson, who is Special Projects Coordinator and the most recent winner of the Donald C. Capps Award.
Shelly will lead our access technology instructors. She will maintain and increase the credentials they have so their students are offered the latest software and hardware available. In addition to strengthening our training program, she will also work to expand the number of students referred to us for training. This will involve marketing and networking with businesses and agencies.
Shelly worked out of the home office the week of October 12, 2026, for orientation, training and local appointments on behalf of FCB. Shelly lives in Boiling Springs, SC, with her husband, Scott, and two sons.
Please join me in welcoming Shelly to the team and lend a hand when you can.
Sports and Recreation Interest Meeting
Approximately 25 spirited Federationists gathered on the Palmetto Zoom platform on October 20, 2026, to express interest in revitalizing the Sports and Recreation Division. Sumter Chapter member Marvin Nelson is a highly trained and qualified martial arts instructor, personal trainer and fitness instructor. He is excitedly leading this charge and has done an excellent job of motivating members to participate. At-Large Board Member Janice Bright was the Master of Ceremonies for the meeting and did an outstanding job of keeping the program moving and encouraging members to share their ideas for this division. I look forward to attending the reorganization meeting on November 24, 2026. To vote, you must pay your state dues plus $5 for membership in the Sports and Recreation Division. You can mail a check to the Federation Center or pay using PayPal on the www.nfbofsc.org website.
Abacus Bee
The third annual Abacus Bee was held at the Federation Center of the Blind on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The Abacus Bee is a math competition created by the American Printing House for the Blind and funded by generous stipends from donors through APH. Dr. Tina Herzberg and Alyssa Dickerson Moody from the University of South Carolina Upstate coordinate this event with members from Statewide Blind and Low Vision Education. It truly takes a village to make this one happen. The Federation Center was filled with approximately 22 students, along with their teachers of the visually impaired, parents, siblings and who knows who else, all there to support them. There were six competitions, and students from the SCSDB main campus competed along with others from across the state. The winners in each competition were a good mix of SCSDB campus students and public school students. It was a wonderful day, and we are all deeply grateful to Chairman Ed Bible and the Federation Center staff for allowing us to hold this event at our location.
Rock Hill Chapter Member Turns 100 Years Old
Rock Hill Chapter member Pearline Barber reached 100 years of age on October 18, 2026, and the celebrations continue! The Rock Hill Chapter was invited to her birthday party, which some 450 people attended. It was a celebration for the ages! Ms. Pearline requested that her NFB of SC family be seated near her for the festivities. It was a wonderful time for the people she loves to celebrate her long life. She is our oldest living member. Happy birthday, Ms. Pearline!
Lancaster Chapter #BlindMonth Event
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, First Vice President Lenora Robertson attended the Lancaster Chapter #BlindMonth event where chapter members invited members of the public to learn what is happening in the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina (NFB of SC). The mayor and other dignitaries were present for this event. The church fellowship hall was very well decorated with excellent food provided by the chapter. Lenora reports that a good time was had by all and the Lancaster Chapter represented the NFB of SC admirably!
SC Commission for the Blind Meta Glasses for Veterans
On Friday, October 16, 2026, the SC Commission for the Blind held an event from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM where veterans could come in with the appropriate documentation and receive a free pair of Meta glasses. The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and the Palmetto Council of the Blind were invited to be present for this event in an effort to give veterans information about these organizations. Successful Transitions Consultant Andrenia Corder and Federation Center Special Projects Coordinator Pathronda Anderson staffed our information table and represented our organization well. They had the opportunity to speak with blinded veterans and share information about the NFB of SC. Chairman Ed Bible and his wife, Julie, stopped by to visit with these individuals while Senator Darline Graham was also present. We appreciate being included in opportunities like this one.
Registration Open for 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat
Registration is now open for the 2027 Senior Retreat, a weeklong virtual experience running January 10 through 16, 2027. Participants will learn basic nonvisual techniques from experienced blind instructors who serve as role models. The retreat is designed for seniors 50 and older, but younger participants are welcome too. The $50 fee helps cover the cost of a thumb drive each participant receives after the retreat. Your registration and payment must be received by January 5, 2027. You can find details and the registration form on the 2027 Senior Retreat page or on the main page of the NFB Seniors website. Please help spread the word to anyone who might benefit.
NFB of SC Dues and Chapter Elections
Chapters should begin collecting dues for 2027 and holding elections from October through December. Please provide Thom Spittle with a list of all dues-paying members by December 31, 2026. As elections are held, provide the results to each of the following:
- Marty McKenzie – [email protected]
- Thom Spittle – [email protected]
- Steve Cook, website – [email protected]
- David Houck – [email protected]
This will greatly assist us with recordkeeping. I appreciate your assistance with this request.
AI Tip or Trick
This week’s AI tip comes from a new experience for me. I recently purchased a new range and dishwasher in anticipation of changes to my kitchen. I gave Claude the following prompt: “I purchased two new KitchenAid appliances. The model number and appliances are listed on separate lines below. Find the owner’s manual for both items and place in my Downloads folder. Then, convert both manuals to a searchable Word document, also placing these documents in my Downloads folder. Model #KDTS424SPS KitchenAid Dishwasher
Model #KSES530SPS KitchenAid Stove.” The model numbers were located on my receipt that I received via email. That is so much easier than having a receipt printed in the store. The result was that it located and downloaded the PDF version of the manuals, extracted both to MS-Word format and formatted the documents using headings, deleted the three other languages that I do not need and placed all documents in my Downloads folder. It then prompted me, asking if I wanted the actual manual for the oven on the new range. I responded “yes,” and it proceeded to complete the tasks outlined for the additional manuals. Access to information has come a long way compared to the past.
Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan
The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handcrafted Christmas 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:
- Marty McKenzie – 843-939-8091 or [email protected]
- Glenda Culick – 843-598-3630 or [email protected]
- Trent Tedder – 843-939-8092 or [email protected]
Let’s support one of our smallest chapters.
Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer Tickets – Belvedere Chapter
The Belvedere Chapter is selling raffle tickets for an Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer. It does not require Wi-Fi or an app to operate. Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. You can get them from Frank Loza at 803-617-8016, Gerald McMurray at 803-608-9449 or Pathronda Anderson at 803-269-4354. The winner will be drawn at the Statewide Seminar on January 9, 2027. You do not need to be present to win. Thank you for your support.
Things to Remember
- Blind Equality Achievement Month (#BlindMonth) – October 2026
- Dues and Elections – October 1 through December 31, 2026
- Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing – November 21, 2026
- Sports and Recreation Interest Meeting – November 24, 2026
- Senior Retreat Registration Deadline – January 5, 2027
- Belvedere Chapter Emerson Air Fryer Drawing – January 9, 2027
- Virtual Senior Retreat – January 10–16, 2027
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