[Massachusetts-NFB] June Cambridge Chapter Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
Looking forward to seeing you all at our Cambridge Chapter meeting this evening. Here are the minutes from June.
Thanks,
Cullen
Cambridge Chapter Minutes, June 8, 2026

The June 8, 2026 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 6:03 PM.
In Attendance:

Shirley Dorris, President
Sengil Inkiala, Vice President
Cullen Gallagher, Secretary
Mika Pyyhkala, Treasurer
Jen Bose, Board Member
Shara Winton, Affiliate President
Leicia Chan 
Josh Nowak
Samia Page
Adam Roberge
Angey Manerson
Wesley Taylor
Al Sten-Clanton
ElizabethAnn Johnson
Kobena Bonney
John Oliveira 
Stephen Yerardi
Brian Langlois
Masha Sten-Clanton
Helen Kobek
Kristina Constant
Jamal Mazrui 
Kyra Sweeney
Cheryl Smith
Shondell Williamson  
Rachel Kobierecki
William Odonnell
David Ticchi
Lindell Cooks
Vinod Chawla
NFB Pledge

Lindell led the NFB Pledge
Secretary’s Report

Inky moved acceptance of the May minutes; the motion was seconded by John and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report

Mika presented the Treasurer’s Report. Transactions included the $50 PAC contribution. 
The checking account balance was $232.22.
Stephen moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; the motion was seconded by Wesley and passed unanimously.
Affiliate President’s Report

AFFILIATE DONATION TO NATIONAL FUNDS

Shara announced that the affiliate would be donating $400 to each of the four national funds: tenBroek, Jernigan, White Cane, and SUN.
COAST TO COAST MOVEMENT CHALLENGE

Shara announced that Liz Lesperance was the affiliate ambassador for the Coast to Coast Challenge and would participate in the Bay Bridge Run. Chapters and affiliates would be encouraged to host movement events.
Shara would be having a Zoom meeting on Thursday with the other New England affiliate presidents to discuss potentially collaborating on an event across New England.
One event under consideration was walking the stairs of the John Hancock Tower. Chapters and affiliates participating in the Coast to Coast Challenge were encouraged to raise at least $250. It was highlighted that 2026 also marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and that John Hancock’s was the first signature. 
The Wicked Good Chapter was also planning a cardio drumming and limbo event, with more details to be provided.
Presidential Release

The June Presidential Release  <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2026-05/presidential_release_june_2026_chapter_version_final.mp3>was played.
Day at the State House

Kyra announced that the affiliate would hold a Day at the State House on Wednesday, July 22. It would be similar to a Massachusetts version of Washington Seminar. The three priorities would be the rights of blind parents, the rights of guide dog users in rideshares, and accessible prescription labeling. Members interested in participating were asked to email Kyra to sign up.
National Convention Stipends

Shara reminded members attending the convention to email her with information about how payment should be sent, including their Zelle address. Stipends would be $600, and members would be required to attend all General Sessions and the Banquet to receive their stipend.
Springfield Walk

The Springfield Chapter Walk would be held on Saturday, June 20. Shirley and Stephen announced that a 12-passenger van and driver had been secured. Registration for the walk would begin at 8:45 AM, with the walk running from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Lunch would be served at the Springfield Chapter House.
Eight members expressed interest. The price was to be determined but could be around$20 to 30 per person. Logistics would be sent to the email list once finalized.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for August 10. There would not be a July meeting due to the National Convention.
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