[Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large Chapter June Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
The June At-Large minutes are attached and pasted below.
THanks,
CUllen
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  <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2025-05/presidential_release_june_2025_chapter_version.mp3>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 12.

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