[Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large Chapter September Minutes and Zoom Link

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all enjoying this long weekend. 
The September At-Large minutes are attached and pasted below. The Zoom link for tomorrow’s meeting follows the minutes.
Thanks,
Cullen
At-Large Chapter Minutes, September 9, 2025

The September 9, 2025 meeting of the At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts was held via Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM
In Attendance:

Liz Lesperance, President
Sandy Burgess, Vice President
Cullen Gallagher, Secretary
Allen Larkin, Treasurer
Shara Winton, Affiliate President
Brian Langlois
ElizabethAnn Johnson
Zach Gousie 
Mike Karsok
Neil Schoonmaker
Lyn Lindbergh
NFB Pledge

ElizabethAnn recited the NFB Pledge.
Approval of Minutes

Shara moved that we accept the June minutes; the motion was seconded by Allen and passed unanimously.
Giggle Gala

The Giggle Gala was scheduled for October 16 at Giggles Comedy Club in Saugus, about 10 miles from Boston. Members were encouraged to purchase their tickets for a night of laughter and fun, including pizza and an auction featuring vacation packages. For members who wanted to support the event but could not attend, they could purchase a ticket to donate to a member who could not afford one. 
Giggle Gala Tickets <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nfb-of-ma-giggle-gala-tickets-1586435694869?aff=ebdssbdestsearch>
David Ticchi Walk

The David Ticchi Walk was scheduled for October 5 at Fresh Pond in Cambridge. The event would run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This was the largest fundraiser, with members collecting sponsorships or donations. Members were reminded to bring a refillable water bottle which could be filled at the water station. Those who could not attend the walk could still collect donations and send them online or through the bank.
Legislative Activity

Congress was back in session, and one of our legislative priorities would be highlighted each week. Members were encouraged to review the emails sent out by Kyra and contact legislators to move these initiatives forward.
NLS Parent Authorization Form

There was now a parental authorization form from the National Library Service. It was important that parents know about this to prevent their children from having their service interrupted. The deadline was December 31.
Randolph Shepherd Program

The Secretary of Defense had requested to suspend the Randolph Shepherd program. This program gives blind vendors priority access to cafeterias, snack stands, and vending machines in federal buildings. Members were urged to contact legislators to support this program.
Online Career Fair

There would be an online career fair on October 28 for job seekers and employers. The registration deadline would be October 14.
Career Fair Registration <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration>
Presidential Release

The September Presidential Release  <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2025-08/presidential_release_september_2025_chapter_version.mp3>was played.
Couch To Active Presentation

Lyn Lindbergh, founder of Couch to Active, joined the meeting to speak about healthy eating, the importance of exercise, and accessible fitness opportunities. She discussed baseline exercise recommendations (150 minutes of cardiovascular activity per week and two sessions of strength training), strategies for finding enjoyable ways to stay active, and guidance on balanced nutrition following the MyPlate.gov model. Lyn also described the programs and subscriptions available through Couch to Active, including accessible group fitness classes, one-on-one coaching, and video resources. Members also had the opportunity to ask questions on a variety of health-related topics. Shara expressed interest in the possibility of arranging a class for members. Liz would send Lyn’s contact information to Shara. 
Couch to Active Website <https://www.couchtoactive.com/>
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for October 14.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/95988295663?pwd=ZzltpZVW1pbg9ZCPIinfyWZ4iCDEvt.1 <https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fnfb-org.zoom.us%2Fj%2F95988295663%3Fpwd%3DZzltpZVW1pbg9ZCPIinfyWZ4iCDEvt.1&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2vodtERjtKgoDvig5iAK9M>
Meeting ID: 959 8829 5663

Passcode: 2025


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