[Massachusetts-NFB] Fwd: Cambridge Chapter September Minutes

Mon Oct 20 05:00:08 UTC 2025

Hi Everyone,
The September Cambridge Chapter Minutes are below.
Cullen

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: Cullen Gallagher <cullen.gallagher at gmail.com>
> Subject: Cambridge Chapter September Minutes
> Date: September 26, 2025 at 1:46:15 AM EDT
> To: NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Cullen Gallagher <cullen.gallagher at gmail.com>
> 
> Hi everyone,
> The September Cambridge minutes are attached and pasted below.
> THanks,
> Cullen
> Cambridge Chapter Minutes, September 8, 2025
> 
> The September 8, 2025 meeting of the Cambridge Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts 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
> Shara Winton, Affiliate President
> Al Sten-Clanton
> Rashad Saadieh
> Bronwen Tedesco
> Stephen Yerardi
> Lindell Cooks
> Aaron Brown
> Kyra Sweeney
> Angey Manerson
> Adam Roberge
> ElizabethAnn Johnson
> Wesley Taylor
> Masha Sten-Clanton
> David Ticchi
> Ellen Bartelt
> John Oliveira
> Kobena Bonney
> Marc Kelley
> Stephanie Valdes
> Jamal Mazrui
> Allen Larkin
> Sage Collier
> NFB Pledge
> 
> Angey and Adam led the NFB Pledge
> Approval of Minutes
> 
> Kyra moved that we accept the August meeting minutes; the motion was seconded by Bronwen and passed unanimously.
> Treasurer’s Report
> 
> Shirley announced changes to how Treasurer’s Reports would be presented as a result of concerns raised at the June Meeting and following a meeting with Shara, Inky, Mika, and Kobena in August. Mika’s reports now included information from affiliate reports, including what was transferred and how money was spent. Shara also emphasized that anyone wanting more detail on the affiliate finances should attend board meetings, as the treasurer’s report was covered in the first 15 minutes of meetings.
> Mika explained the three accounts: a checking account with Cambridge Savings Bank and a CD, both of which had been maintained for a long time, and a Bank of America account set up more recently for day-to-day transactions with better online features. The Cambridge Savings accounts mostly served as long-term storage.
> Balances and transactions from June 1 to August 12:
> Ending balance from all three accounts combined: $81,036.90.
> Mika highlighted some transactions, including a received donation and $600 stipends for members attending the National Convention, including several from this chapter. Funds were also paid out for donations to NFB national funds and Convention door prizes. There were also dues payments.
> On the chapter side, walk donations had been coming in. As of September 5, the chapter had received $640 in donations. The Cambridge Chapter checking account balance was $3,185.79. Our balance was supposed to remain below $1,200, and Mika explained that this was for tax purposes, so we did not need to become a separate 501(c)(3) organization.
> Cullen moved that we accept the Treasurer’s Report; the motion was seconded by Stephen and passed with one opposed.
> legislative updates
> 
> Kyra shared updates related to legislation. Members were encouraged to contact Representatives regarding the Connect for Health Act, HR4206. This legislation would make permanent the Medicare telehealth benefits temporarily introduced in 2020 and extended multiple times. They were currently set to expire on September 30. A resolution was passed at the national convention related to this topic. It was critical to secure cosponsors for this bill. Capital Switchboard: 202-224-3121.
> NFB learned that the Secretary of Defense contacted the Department of Education requesting that the Randolph-Sheppard priority be waived on military property. This was based on the false assumption that blind vendors would negatively affect the United States military. The National office sent a letter to the Department of Defense on August 30 opposing this decision and attempted to initiate dialogue with the Secretary of Defense to discuss ways to better serve the military. Members were not currently being asked to take action, but were advised to be aware of the issue for possible future involvement.
> Email List
> 
> Shirley indicated that there were still issues with the email list, and some members might not have been receiving messages. Those with email accounts through Verizon, AOL, or Bell South were affected. Anyone not receiving emails was asked to contact Shara so the issue could be troubleshooted.
> There was also a Chapter WhatsApp group, and members interested could contact Shirley to join.
> Presidential Release
> 
> The September Presidential Release <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2025-08/presidential_release_september_2025_chapter_version.mp3> was not played do to time constraints.
> Upcoming Events
> 
> NFB planned to hold the Bay Bridge Run again this year on November 9. A meeting was scheduled for September 16 for those interested in participating and learning more. Chapters and affiliates were encouraged to participate in this 10K in Baltimore.
> A career fair was scheduled for October 28, with a registration deadline of October 14.
> Career Fair Registration <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration>
> The David Ticchi Walk was scheduled for October 5, and some donations had already been received. A donation request letter was available, which could be sent to family, friends, and businesses. The event was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM at Fresh Pond, Cambridge. This was one of the chapter's largest fundraisers.
> Shirley indicated that volunteers were needed at the table distributing materials, as well as providing snacks like fruit. Members were asked to bring a bottle to fill up at the water department. There would also be socializing time after the walk, and members were invited to bring a bagged lunch.
> For recruiting volunteers, Masha indicated that there was now a Delta Gamma chapter at Northeastern University. David encouraged members to ask their friends, family, and local businesses to donate, noting that Mike’s Pastry had donated again this year. He also encouraged members to set a personal goal for donations, noting that if 20 members each raised $500, the total would be $10,000.
> Kyra volunteered to bring granola bars, and ElizabethAnn volunteered to bring fruit. Stephen and Adam also volunteered to work at the Welcome table.
> The first-ever Giggle Gala was scheduled for Thursday, October 16 in Saugus. The event would include pizza and a comedy show. Tickets were $50, and flyers containing QR codes to order tickets were available at the meeting. Members were strongly encouraged to purchase tickets and attend. Those who wanted to support but could not attend were encouraged to buy a ticket to be donated to someone unable to afford attendance. This event was also to be promoted outside the NFB community.
> A total of 150 tickets were available, and Eventbrite would display a notice once sold out. MBTA services served Saugus.
> Giggle Gala Tickets <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nfb-of-ma-giggle-gala-tickets-1586435694869?aff=ebdssbdestsearch>
> The MCB White Cane Day event was scheduled for October 24 at the Statehouse. The registration link had previously been shared by MCB.
> Transportation
> 
> Stephen announced that the MBTA Riders Transportation Access Group meeting was scheduled for Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. There was also a new website for The Ride, and an app would be made available.
> ATM Volume
> 
> During open discussion, there was a question about adjusting the volume on Bank of America ATMs. Members were unsure how to adjust this.
> Adjournment
> 
> The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM. The October meeting was scheduled to be held via Zoom due to the holiday, with the standard hybrid format resuming in November. Members were asked to monitor email for details.
> 

> 

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