[Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large Chapter November Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
The November At-Large minutes are attached and pasted below.
Looking forward to seeing you all this evenig,
Cullen
NFBMA At-Large Chapter Minutes, November 11, 2025

The November 11, 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
Allen Larkin, Treasurer
Kristina Constant, Board Member
Shara Winton, Affiliate President
ElizabethAnn Johnson
Stephen Yerardi
Neil Schoonmaker
Mike Karsok
Brian Langlois
Pam Kalinoski
Shannon Cantan
Sengil Inkiala
Shannon Donahue
Ren Lovegood
Ice Breaker: Members shared what they would bring to a Thanksgiving dinner that started with the first letter of their names.
NFB Pledge

Allen recited the NFB Pledge.
Approval of Minutes

Shara moved that we accept the October minutes; the motion was seconded by Sandy and passed unanimously.
Presidential Release

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

Three new members were voted in at this meeting.
Shara moved that Neil Schoonmaker be voted in as a member of the At-Large Chapter; the motion was seconded by Cullen and passed unanimously.
Shara moved that Shannon Donahue be voted in as a member of the At-Large Chapter; the motion was seconded by Brian and passed unanimously.
Shara moved that Pam Kalinoski be voted in as a member of the At-Large Chapter; the motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously.
Welcome to all of our new members!
Affiliate President Report

STATE CONVENTION

Shara announced that the state convention would be held March 27–29 at the Crowne Plaza in Woburn. Rooms would be $129 a night. Shara also announced that the convention theme would be “Empowerment Through Advocacy and Innovation,” and anyone with session or exhibitor ideas should contact her.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Shara indicated that members were meeting with legislators regarding the cuts to the Department of Education and the effects for blind students. Members were encouraged to attend these appointments. Kyra was in the process of scheduling these appointments.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES FORUM 

Shara announced that there would be a forum regarding autonomous vehicles at the Boston Public Library on Monday at 12:00 PM. Unions had expressed concerns that autonomous vehicles would take away jobs. At a hearing on October 28 at Boston City Hall, members spoke about how autonomous vehicles would be beneficial for our independence. Members were encouraged to attend this forum on Monday.
GIGGLE GALA

Shara reminded members about our first annual Giggle Gala on December 11 in Saugus. Tickets included comedy and pizza. Drinks and other Italian menu items would be available for purchase. Mike Karsok would serve as MC. There would also be several auction items, including a wine tasting for 20 people, vacation packages to places including Nashville, Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York City, and the latest AirPods Pro.
There would also be a 50/50 raffle, and the next 50 people who purchased a ticket would be entered into a drawing to win $100 in cash.
Funds raised would help send members to events like Washington Seminar and National Convention, hold holiday parties, and more. Members were strongly encouraged to attend and spread the word to family, friends, and places like community bulletin boards. 
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>
Holiday Party

Our Christmas party was discussed. It would include time for members to share holiday memories and traditions. Shara suggested doing a Secret Santa again this year, and members were in favor. Shara agreed to coordinate this, and members wishing to participate should email her. A $30 gift minimum was suggested. Cullen moved that we set the gift minimum at $30 for Secret Santa; the motion was seconded by Shara and passed unanimously.
Adjournment 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM. The next meeting would be our holiday party on December 9.
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