[Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter October Minutes and Zoom Link

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
Looking forward to seeing you all at our Cambridge Chapter meeting this evening. Here are the minutes from October, as well as the Zoom link for those attending virtually. 
See you at 6:00 PM.
Cullen
Cambridge Chapter Minutes, October 14, 2024

The October 14, 2024 meeting of the Cambridge Chapter was held on Zoom due to the holiday. The meeting was called to order at 6:01PM.
In Attendance:

Cullen Gallagher
Rick Camann
Kristina Constant
Allan Barr
Shara Winton
Shirley Dorris
Adam Roberge
Helen Kobek
Masha Sten-Clanton
Al Sten-clanton
David Ticchi
Ellen Bartelt
Greg Bedard
Sengil Inkiala
John Oliveira
Kinshuk Tella
Kobena Bonney
Shannon Canton 
ElizabethAnn Johnson
Allen Larkin
Jen Bose
Rashad Saadieh
NFB Pledge

Masha led the NFB Pledge.
Approval of Minutes

Inky Moved that we accept the September minutes with the noted corrections; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report

Mika was unavailable to present the Treasurer’s report, it was tabled to the November meeting.
Chapter Release

The October Chapter Release <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/08-2024/presidential_release_october_2024_chapter_version_final.mp3> was played.
David Ticchi Walk Recap

Shirley presented a recap of the David Ticchi Walk, which took place last Sunday. The turnout was good overall, with thirty-six members attending. We raised approximately $3,000. A number of people provided sighted guide assistance. Members contributed baked goods for the event. Everyone in attendance made a donation and purchased some of the baked goods. Some of our Springfield chapter members were also present, and everyone was thanked for their participation.
Inky suggested placing more signs along the path to describe our walk, explain its purpose, and invite contributions. David noted that we needed to be careful, as the pond was not intended for fundraising. Shirley also pointed out that our bright yellow tablecloth, marked with "National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts," was highly visible. The signage encouraged people to stop by our table to learn about the walk. Balloons tied to the chairs at the welcome table helped draw attention to our event.
Shara indicated that the park previously did not allow signage, but we would check with them again next year. We also included awareness elements, such as guide dog demonstrations and writing names in Braille. David emphasized that our work was not done and encouraged us to continue collecting donations from family, friends and local businesses. Donations were down from where we were last year. Our letter stated that donations would be accepted through November 15, but they would be welcomed at any time."
Advocacy Team Update

Inky gave an update on the advocacy team and the three issues they had been working on. They had continued working on the Walmart assistance issue. A few members attempted to call corporate to get their policy on providing assistance, which was not successful. The team decided that they would contact national to see where they were in working on this issue.
For the Beauty supply store issue, a few members would go to the store to educate managers on dealing with blind people. Members were encouraged to contact Shirley if they would like to help with this effort. 
Inky suggested reviewing the Courtesy Rules of Blindness  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/courtesy-rules-blindness>to help when advocating for these issues.
A member had been denied the opportunity to go horseback riding, even though they had paid for the experience. Upon arriving, they were told that the facility did not work with the blind. They also did not return all of the money paid. The member began working with attorney Al Elia to determine how this could be resolved.
The advocacy team would meet the following week, and members were encouraged to bring any issues to that meeting.
Affiliate Updates

On Friday, a group of members from the At-Large Chapter had a table at the Topsfield Fair selling meat sticks and providing information about the NFB. A lot of people dropped by the table to ask questions and make donations. It was a successful event.
The following day would be the rally at Uber and Lyft. Debbie and Isabelle were representing Massachusetts, and members were encouraged to monitor the Facebook page for updates.
Friday would be the White Cane Day event at the StateHouse. Shirley would represent the chapter via the MCB table.
The following Thursday, a small group would tour an art museum on the cape to view an exhibit featuring Braille poetry.
Upcoming Fundraisers

The At-Large Chapter would have a table at a craft fair and trunk or treat in Hingham on Saturday. T-shirts, meat sticks and white cane pins would be sold at this event.
Shirley announced that on election day, there would be a bake sale as was done last year. $500 was raised at this event the previous year. She indicated that she would send an email to the list for those who wanted to bake something or help with the table.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Join zoom meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95901703256?pwd=Mk8rOXdrbExkVGdsZUd4SVhCRnlqZz09

Meeting ID:  959 0170 3256
Passcode: 632 
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,95901703256#  US (Houston)
+16699006833,,95901703256#  US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799  US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833  US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782  US (Tacoma)
+1 312 626 6799  US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099  US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592  US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 959 0170 3256



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/massachusetts-nfb_nfbnet.org/attachments/20241118/979ac315/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: 2024-10-14 Cambridge Meeting Minutes.docx
Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
Size: 7580 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/massachusetts-nfb_nfbnet.org/attachments/20241118/979ac315/attachment.docx>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/massachusetts-nfb_nfbnet.org/attachments/20241118/979ac315/attachment-0001.htm>