[Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter November Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
The Cambridge Chapter November minutes are attached and pasted below. Look forward to seeing you all at tonight's meeting.
Thanks,
Cullen
Cambridge Chapter Minutes, November 10, 2025

The November 10, 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
Rashad Saadieh
ElizabethAnn Johnson
Kobena Bonney
Tammy Febbi
Adam Roberge
Kyra Sweeney
Sage Collier
Wesley Taylor
Angey Manerson
Rick Camann
Stephen Yerardi
Bronwen Tedesco
Laurie Mattioli
Helen Kobek
David Ticchi
Jamal Mazrui
Al Sten-Clanton 
Masha Sten-Clanton
Lindell Cooks
Aaron Brown
Vinod Chawla
NFB Pledge

Stephen led the NFB Pledge
Approval of Minutes

It was noted that when one or two people were opposed, their names should be listed in the minutes. Stephen moved that we accept the October minutes as corrected; the motion was seconded by ElizabethAnn and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report

Mika presented the Treasurer’s Report and an update on walk donations.
Donations continued to come in for the walk. As of the last report on November 7, we had received $4,765 in donations.
The checking account balance was $5,762.41. Mika would also transfer some of the balance to the state account and indicated this would be completed by the end of the year.
Cullen moved that we accept the Treasurer’s Report; the motion was seconded by Kyra and passed, with Rashad voting in opposition.
Presidential Release

The November Presidential Release  <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2025-10/presidential_release_november_2025_chapter_version.mp3>was played.
Holiday Party

Shirley announced that our holiday party would be held as part of the chapter meeting on December 8. Members would be able to arrive starting at 5:30 PM. There would be a short business meeting followed by time to enjoy dinner and socializing.
Members were in favor of doing a Yankee swap again this year, with the gift amount set at $25.
The past few years, the party had been held at John Brewers in Waltham. Shirley suggested holding this year's party at GrassFields in Waltham, noting her positive recent experience there. A few concerns were raised, including the lack of a fully private room and whether there would be enough space. The chapter typically covered up to $25 for a meal and soft drink, but everyone was in agreement in raising this to $30. This would not include alcohol.
Following further discussion, it was decided that Shirley would tour the space available to us, and if it was not suitable, we would return to John Brewers. Cullen moved that we hold our party at GrassFields if the space would meet our needs; the motion was seconded by Kyra and passed unanimously.
Once Shirley had looked at the space, she would send an email to RSBP regarding the party. The party would be in-person only, with no Zoom attendance.
Giggle Gala

Shara reminded everyone about the Giggle Gala and encouraged attendance. The event would feature a comedy show and auction items, including seven different vacation packages. The event would include pizza. Shara explained that soft drinks were not included, as they were one of the restaurant’s revenue sources.
This event event had the potential to become our largest fundraiser. Funds raised allow the affiliate to provide scholarships to students, assist members in attending National Convention and Washington Seminar, and host our BELL Academy for students ages 4 to 12 to learn Braille. Everyone attending and sharing helps keep these programs going.
Order 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>
State Convention

Shara announced that our state convention would be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Woburn the last weekend of March. The room rate would be $129 per night, and the rate would include breakfast. Planning for the convention was already underway, and auction items were beginning to come in. Members were encouraged to contact Shara with ideas for the convention.
2026 Dues

Dues would be due at the beginning of the year for $10. They could be paid online, by Zelle, or in-person. If a member joined an additional chapter or division, such as the At-Large Chapter, the additional dues would be $5.
Learning the NFB Pledge

Shirley distributed cards containing the NFB Pledge in both Braille and print. She emphasized that it was important that members know and take seriously this pledge as part of the National Federation of the Blind.
Shirley proposed that starting next year, members who were called upon to recite the pledge and did not know it should be charged $1. The funds collected would be placed in a jar and eventually used to purchase snacks or other fun items for chapter meetings. Some members supported the idea, and there was a suggestion to raise the fine to $5. This would be similar to practices used by other organizations and would help ensure the pledge was taken seriously.
Several concerns were raised, including:
– Learning the pledge if members could not read the card. The pledge is available online and can be easily found via a search. Shara was also willing to leave the pledge on members' voicemails.
– Whether members were allowed to read from their cards or if memorization was required.
– The opposition to money changing hands.
– The concern that this approach felt punitive, especially for members who did not have cash on hand.
Other ideas included asking for volunteers or repeatedly calling on the same member until they learned the pledge.
No decision was made, and due to time constraints, this discussion was tabled for a future meeting.
Washington Seminar

Kyra announced that Washington Seminar was approaching and that the delegation from Massachusetts was being assembled. Anyone interested in attending was asked to email Kyra and copy Shara with a thoughtful paragraph explaining why they would like to attend. Eight people would be selected, two from each chapter.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 PM. The next meeting would be our holiday party on December 8.

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