[Massachusetts-NFB] Fwd: Cambridge Chapter October Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: Cullen Gallagher <cullen.gallagher at gmail.com>
> Subject: Cambridge Chapter October Minutes
> Date: November 7, 2025 at 5:00:37 PM EST
> To: NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Cullen Gallagher <cullen.gallagher at gmail.com>
> 
> Hi Cambridge Chapter members,
> The October minutes are attached and pasted below. 
> Thanks,
> Cullen
> Cambridge Chapter Minutes, October 20, 2025
> 
> The October 20, 2025 meeting of the Cambridge Chapter was held as a hybrid meeting at Cambridge Citywide Senior Center and Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM.
> In Attendance:
> 
> Shirley Dorris, President
> Sengil Inkiala, Vice President
> Cullen Gallagher, Secretary
> Mika Pyyhkala, Treasurer
> Jen Bose, Board Member
> Adam Roberge
> Rashad Saadieh
> Kyra Sweeney
> Kobena Bonney
> John Oliveira
> Jamal Mazrui
> Helen Kobek
> ElizabethAnn Johnson
> Kristina Constant
> Joe Ward
> Stephen Yerardi
> David Ticchi
> Al Sten-Clanton
> Masha Sten-Clanton
> Wesley Taylor
> Lindell Cooks
> NFB Pledge
> 
> Inky led the NFB Pledge.
> Approval of Minutes
> 
> Inky moved that we accept the September meeting minutes; the motion was seconded by John and passed unanimously.
> Treasurer’s Report
> 
> Mika presented the Treasurer’s Report including an update on walk donations. 
> We had received $4,465 in walk donations. 
> A few more donations had come in since the report from Scott Hurley. Mika indicated that this total included deposits from the day of the walk. 
> The account balance was $5,747.79. 
> Kobena shared some updates on the affiliate level. A board meeting was scheduled for the following evening at 7:30, and members could attend to hear more details on the treasury. 
> There had not been a lot of activity. A donation was received from the Begs Estate, and the affiliate insurance policy had been renewed. 
> Inky moved that we accept the Treasurer’s Report; the motion was seconded by Adam and passed with one opposed.
> David Ticchi Walk Recap
> 
> David and Shirley thanked everyone who helped and came out for the walk. David also indicated that while the amount we had raised so far was good, it was less than what we were at this time last year.
> Shirley highlighted the beautiful weather, member donations, the food that was donated, the volunteers from Delta Gamma, the Cambridge water department, and the Ranger. There was also strong attendance from the Springfield Chapter.
> Shirley also reminded members that it was not too late to get donations for the walk and that those would still be welcome.
> Giggle Gala Update
> 
> Kyra announced that the Giggle Gala was postponed to December 11. It would still be held at Giggles Comedy Club in Saugus, just 7 miles from Cambridge and in The Ride area. Twenty-four tickets had been sold as of the meeting, with 125 tickets remaining. We wanted as many people as possible to attend. Members unable to attend but wanting to support were encouraged to purchase a ticket, which could then be donated to someone who could not afford to attend. Anyone uncomfortable with this could donate through the standard channels, but this was the preferred option. 
> The goal was to raise $10,000, and this event would hopefully become annual. Mike Karsok would serve as MC of the event.
> The event would include pizza, and Kyra would confirm whether a soft drink was included or not.
> Members were strongly encouraged to get their tickets and share the event with friends and family, and even local businesses like doctors’ offices
> Get Giggle Gala Tickets <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nfb-of-ma-giggle-gala-tickets-1586435694869?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl>
> Presidential Release
> 
> The October Presidential Release <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2025-09/presidential_release_october_2025_chapter_version.mp3> was played.
> Transportation Updates
> 
> Stephen presented updates from the October RTAG meeting. Highlights included:
> The new booking app for The Ride had been downloaded 3,000 times. Zoom trainings had been offered for those wanting to learn how to use the app and online booking portal, with another scheduled for Friday, October 24. 
> The Mobility Center would be moving to Quincy in 2026.
> Inky brought up the recent policy change where drivers were no longer able to assist passengers with luggage on The Ride. Stephen indicated this had also been discussed at the RTAG meeting, and there had been a lot of controversy around it. Kyra said that liability was the main reason for the change. Members strongly disagreed with this policy change.
> Joe Ward Lions Club Discussion
> 
> Joe Ward, a Global Membership Team Coordinator with the Lions Club, joined the meeting to discuss his proposal to establish a new Lions chapter for visually impaired people in Massachusetts. He explained that while the Lions were originally founded as the “Knights of the Blind,” many members today lack experience working with blind individuals. The proposed club would focus on educating Lions and the broader community about blindness, promoting inclusion, and challenging stereotypes by highlighting what blind people can do. Dues would likely be kept low, and meetings held in a hybrid format to encourage participation. Some members expressed interest in joining, while others raised questions about whether forming a separate blind-focused club might be less effective than integrating blind members into existing Lions Clubs. Joe was encouraged to contact the national office, as they likely have information and a division for blind Lions. He expressed interest in attending the next chapter meeting in person. Anyone wanting more information or to connect with Joe may contact Shirley.
> Adjournment
> 
> The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for November 10.

> 

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