[Massachusetts-NFB] Fwd: At-Large Chapter June Minutes

[Liz Lesperance]

Good Evening,

In advance of the At-Large Chapter meeting on Tuesday I am forwarding along
the June meeting minutes which Cullen sent out after our last meeting.
Thank you again, Cullen, for your help with the minutes!

Best,
Liz

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cullen Gallagher via Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Date: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Subject: [Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large Chapter June Minutes
To: NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Cullen Gallagher <cullen.gallagher at gmail.com>


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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