[Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter October Meeting Minutes

Fri Oct 13 03:10:50 UTC 2023

Hi Everyone,
The minutes from our October Cambridge Chapter Meeting are attached and pasted below.
Thanks,
Cullen
Cambridge Chapter Minutes, October 9, 2023

The October meeting of the Cambridge Chapter was held on Zoom due to the holiday. It was called to order at 6:03 PM.
In Attendance:

ElizabethAnn Johnson
Shirley Dorris
Sengil Inkiala
Bronwen Tedesco
Cullen Gallagher
Kobena Bonney
Shara Winton
Al Sten-Clanton
Masha Sten-Clanton
David Ticchi
Tammy Febbi
Tracy Carvalho
Debbie Malone
Justin Heard
Stephen Yerardi
Ellen Bartelt
Pledge

Cullen led the NFB Pledge.
Approval of Minutes

Shirley moved that the minutes be accepted as presented; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer's Report was tabled.
Presidential Release

Justin presented highlights from the October Presidential Release. <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-10/2023_presidential_release_chapter_version_final.mp3>
State Convention Update

Our 2024 convention will be at a new location, the Salem Waterfront Hotel in Salem. The hotel is excited to host us, and they have offered us the same rate that the Embassy Suites was offering for this year. Shara and Debbie went last week to tour the exhibit hall space, and they were super helpful. Instead of our traditional boxed lunches on Saturday, there will be a two hour break to allow members the opportunity to go out for lunch or have a meal at the hotel restaurant. Breakfast will be served in the banquet room. Planning is underway and the agenda will be out earlier this year. Also begin thinking about donations for door prizes and auction items. Information on the hotel booking and registration will be emailed when it is available. If you have ideas for something you'd like to see at the convention or an idea for a resolution, contact Shara. Let's make our 71st convention the best ever. Dates are March 15 17, Saint Patricks Day weekend.
Walk Recap

David thanked everyone who made the walk happen and raised funds. It was reiterated that our fundraising is down and there is still work to be done. David suggested that it would be a good idea to resend the walk letter and strongly encourage members to make print copies. Hand these print copies out to people, as it might encourage them to donate. They can also get sponsors and help with the fundraising. Members can enlist the support of friends and family, encouraging them to contribute. Challenge yourself to get sponsors, and don’t be afraid of getting a no. Shara also reiterated how crucial these donations are, as these donations enable the affiliate to provide financial assistance for members to attend Washington Seminar and National Convention, as well as fun events like holiday parties and lunch following the walk. The letter indicates that we will accept donations through December 1, but we will accept them any time. 
The latest report from Scott Hurley going into the walk indicates that we raised approximately $1,900.
Article Discussion

We discussed the article Together Living Blindfully from the October Braille Monitor. <https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm23/bm2309/bm230902.htm> This presentation was given by Jonathan Mosen at our national convention. He focuses on how we advocate for accessibility. Some people call us militant, but he makes the point that they still benefit from our advocacy. We discussed the question of whether we are militant, and members shared their opinions. 
Christmas Party Update

Shirley booked our Christmas party at John Brewer Tavern in Waltham for Monday, December 11 at 6:00 PM. Meals will be covered up to $25. We had a fantastic time last year and we are looking forward to going back again. We will discuss party activities next month.
Announcement From Justin

Justin advised us about his progressive hearing loss, and how it is affecting his education and future plans. He has changed his degree, and will finish virtually after this semester. Due to the cost of living in Massachusetts, Justin and his wife will be moving out of state, potentially following the January chapter meeting. This means that Justin will not be able to conduct in person meetings after a point. His term as president ends in April. Justin could continue to run things via Zoom, or Inky as Vice President could step in. No decisions will be made today, we will proceed when Justin has his moving date. Justin will also help with the transition.
Election Day Bake Sale

Shirley announced that we will be holding a bake sale on Election Day, November 7 at the Waltham Housing Authority office, a voting location. As people vote, they will be able to purchase baked goods. Shirley will send out an email to our list with the details.
New Member

Ellen Bartelt joined our meeting and introduced her self. Following her introduction, Cullen moved that we welcome Ellen as a member of our chapter; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Welcome, Ellen!
Next Meeting

The next meeting will be November 13.
Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Cullen Gallagher
Affiliate Secretary 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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