[Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large Chapter Meets on Tuesday

[Liz Lesperance]

Good Morning,

This is a friendly reminder that the NFB of MA At-Large Chapter will be
meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19th at 7:00PM via zoom. Please find the meeting
information below. First you will find the direct zoom link followed by the
call in number in the event the link is not working. The meeting password
is: 2025.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/95988295663?pwd=DbPBuyBa91Sa7f3IVOcA5G916u5qtY.1

 Meeting ID: 959 8829 5663

Passcode: 2025



One tap mobile

+16469313860,,95988295663#,,,,*2024# US



Dial by your location

(646) 931 3860


Pasted below please find the NFB Pledge followed by the minutes from our
last meeting which was held on June 10th.


Best,

Liz


**********

NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.

**********

At-Large Chapter Minutes, June 10, 2025
The June 10, 2025 Meeting of the At-Large Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts was called to order at 7:03 PM.

In Attendance:
Liz Lesperance, President

Sandy Burgess, Vice President

Cullen Gallagher, Secretary

Cristina Constant, Board Member

Shara Winton, Affiliate President

Shirley Dorris

Neil Schoonmaker

ElizabethAnn Johnson

Rashad Saadieh

Ray Inegbedion

Icebreaker question: What is your favorite method of travel?

NFB Pledge
Kristina recited the NFB Pledge.

Approval of Minutes
Cullen moved that we accept the May minutes; the motion was seconded by
Shirley and passed unanimously.

Presidential Release
The June Presidential Release was played.

Affiliate President’s Update
Following the national Presidential Release, Shara shared the following
updates:

MEMBER PASSINGS
Not included in the Presidential Release, Shara informed us of the passing
of two members, Gerry Difranza and Annette Davis Harris.

NATIONAL CONVENTION
28 Members had registered for the National Convention in New Orleans, with
1 registered for virtual attendance. Shara encouraged everyone to register
virtually if they were not able to attend in-person.

The affiliate caucus was scheduled for July 10 at 8:00 PM at the Oceana
Grill. Members would have their own checks, and menu items range from
around $10 to $35.

STAND-UP COMEDY AND PIZZA NIGHT FUND RAISER
Shara urged members to put August 14 on their calendars for our stand-up
comedy and pizza fundraiser. The event would also include some auction
items. 150 Tickets could be sold, and the goal was to sell all of them. The
event would be in Saugus, only 6 miles from Cambridge. Members who cannot
attend the event could still help sell the tickets and make the Comedy
night a success. More information would be available soon.

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
Prior to the Meeting, Shara sent out a schedule of affiliate board meetings
through the end of 2025.

Exhibit Table at National Convention
Shirley announced that the affiliate would have a table at the exhibit hall
in New Orleans, where we would sell t-shirts and other items made in
Massachusetts. Shirley would send an email requesting members availability
to work a shift and would include the Exhibit Hall Schedule. Shara would
send the table number once it was made available.

Lawsuit Update
Liz gave an update regarding the Department of Agriculture lawsuit and the
rule that prevents blind people from horseback riding. At the last meeting,
it was asked if members submitting testimony would be helpful. Al Elia
indicated that it would depend on the Department’s written response. Liz
would keep members updated on this.

Speakers at Meetings
The chapter discussed having guest speakers come to our meetings. These
could be both members of NFB and speakers focused on a topic. A few ideas
were suggested:

Scott White on AI

Debbie from The Blind Kitchen

Peggy Chong on history in Massachusetts, possibly fundraising

Jerry Berrier, blind birding

Someone from Couch to Active, an online exercise program.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM, with the next meeting scheduled for
August 12th.
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