[Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter January Minutes and Washington Seminar Fact Sheets In Word Format

Tue Jan 17 07:01:25 UTC 2023

Hi Everyone,
Attached and pasted below are the January Cambridge Chapter Meeting minutes. Please let me know if anything should be corrected.
I am also attaching the Washington Seminar Fact Sheets in Microsoft Word format to insure that you all have access to them. Three important issues this year.
Thanks,
Cullen
The January meeting of the Cambridge Chapter was held at Cambridge Citywide Senior Center and on Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
In attendance:
Justin Heard
Blaine Heard
Cullen Gallagher
Shirley Dorris
Cristine Diaz
Elizabeth Ann Johnson
Debbie Malone
Mika Pyyhkala
David Ticchi
John Oliveira
Kristina Constant
Masha Sten-Clanton
Al Sten-Clanton
Rashad Saadieh
Kyle Shachmut
Sengil Inkiala
Jenn Bose
Cullen led the NFB Pledge
The December minutes were accepted as written. 
Mika presented the Treasurers Report. We have continued to receive walk donations. We spent approximately $464 for the holiday dinner at John Brewer Tavern in Waltham. Account activity includes our standard $50 PAC contribution and check deposits from the walk. Our available balance in the checking account is $7,723.35. 
It is time to pay your $10 dues for 2023. To pay dues, go to the NFBMA website, Chapters and Divisions, and select Cambridge Chapter. Click on donate via PayPal. In the notes field, enter your name and dues payment for 2023. 
You can find the link to PayPal here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NCKCQB4KM6CEE
Cullen moved that the Treasurers report be accepted, the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. 
Justin presented highlights from the January Presidential Release. You can access the release at the following link: https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-01/presidential_release_January_2023_chapter_version_final.mp3 
You can now reserve your rooms for the state convention at the Embassy Suites. The deadline for making these reservations is February 1, so make your reservations as soon as possible. The convention will run from Thursday March 2 to Sunday March 5. Thursday's sessions will be on Zoom, with in-person activities running Friday through Sunday. Shara would like ideas for Zoom sessions; you can contact her or fill out the online form on the NFBMA website. Debbie is also looking for ideas for agencies to contact for the exhibit hall and sponsorships for the convention. 
Elections will be held at the convention. All of the constitutional officers, President, First and Second Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as three board positions are up this year. 
Make your hotel reservation at this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/bosapes-nf2-d32ee23a-7487-4d39-b8be-237a8baa26c0
Finalizing the discussion on the police escort has been tabled as it was not available tonight. The protests appeared to be over when we arrived. We will finish this discussion next month. 
Ax throwing was discussed. The cost will be $50 for those who want to participate. That includes two hours, and a tournament at the end competing against each other. Justin will reach out to the location and see when they can fit us in. Justin believes they will want us to do it before 5:00 PM before walk-ins arrive. AFTERNOON could be a good time. Ax throwing is a good confidence booster, and is blind friendly. 
Justin went over some things to keep in mind when posting to the email list. A few months back, the lists were changed to just one email list for the affiliate, including all chapters and divisions. This means that everyone subscribed receives information about activities and fundraisers for each chapter. Justin suggests trying to limit discussion when possible. For announcements, you can provide your contact info and encourage everyone to contact you privately. Reducing discussion will help everyone's inbox from becoming too cluttered. 
There was some discussion if having a combined list is the best idea. However, this is not something we can change  right now. 
David suggested that we send out the fact sheets for Washington Seminar to the list. Cullen agreed to do this, and will send out the link and attach the word files directly to the email.
The fact sheets can be found on the Washington Seminar page: https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar 
Meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM. 

Cullen Gallagher
Second Vice President and Cambridge Chapter Secretary: National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

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