[Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large Chapter May Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Good Afternoon Everyone,
Here are the minutes from the May At-Large CHapter meeting. Look forward to seeing you all this evening.
Cullen
At-Large Chapter Minutes, May 12, 2026

The May 12, 2026 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:

Stephen Yerardi, President
Liz Lesperance, Vice President
Cullen Gallagher, Secretary
Allen Larkin, Treasurer
ElizabethAnn Johnson, Board Member
Shara Winton, Affiliate President
Kristina constant
Shirley Dorris
Brian Langlois
Gena Quintanilla
Minh Ha
Rachel Kobierecki
Kyra Sweeney
Mike Karsok
Neil Schoonmaker
Sandy Burgess
Pam Kalinoski
Grace Anderson
Icebreaker: If you could be an animal, what would you be?
NFB Pledge

Kristina led the NFB Pledge
Secretary’s Report

Shirley moved acceptance of the April minutes. The motion was seconded by Allen and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report

Allen presented the treasurer’s report. The balance was $916.33. Deductions included a chapter donation for Shannon Donahue and a contribution to door prizes at the state convention.
Kristina moved acceptance of the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Liz and passed unanimously.
Affiliate President’s Report

UPCOMING EVENTS

Shara announced that the Giggle Gala was scheduled for Thursday, December 3. The David Ticchi Cambridge Chapter walk was scheduled for October 4. The Springfield Chapter walk was scheduled for June 20, and Stephen was exploring transportation options and van rentals for members to attend.
NORTH SHORE CHAPTER UPDATE

The Wicked Good Chapter's next meeting was scheduled for May 28 at the Gallo Nero Italian restaurant in Peabody. Members were responsible for covering their food and drink. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, but members wishing to order food were asked to arrive at 6:00 PM. Twelve members attended the first meeting.
Coast to Coast Movement Challenge

Shara discussed the Coast to Coast Movement Challenge, which raised funds for the National parents division. Part of the event would include a 5K over the Bay Bridge in Baltimore. National requested that one person from each chapter or affiliate attend.
Chapters were encouraged to organize movement activities. The Wicked Good Chapter, for example, was planning a limbo and cardio drumming event.
These events could not be combined with existing events, such as the Cambridge Chapter walk. Chapters could develop their own events or join with another chapter.
The chapter would have a movement champion who would attend the national meetings. Liz volunteered to be the movement champion.
Cullen moved that Liz be appointed as the movement champion. The motion was seconded by Allen and passed unanimously.
Presidential Release

The May Presidential Release  <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2026-04/presidential_release_may_2026_chapter_version_final.mp3>was Played.
ADA Bill

Sandy mentioned a bill being considered by Congress that would make it more difficult to sue a business for not complying with the ADA. Under the bill, a person would need to submit a complaint, and the business would receive 60 days to develop a solution and another 60 days before the solution would need to be implemented. Kyra was unsure whether the NFB had an official position on the bill but assumed the organization would oppose it.
Transportation Issues

Several transportation issues were discussed, including:
• The desire to expand The Ride Flex service, even outside of Ride service areas.
• Accessing paratransit throughout the state.
• A new one-page form for applying for or renewing paratransit services that agencies could adopt.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for June 9.
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