[Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter April Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Cambridge Chapter Minutes, April 13, 2026

The April 13, 2026 meeting of the Cambridge Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts was held at Cambridge Citywide Senior Center and Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM

In Attendance:

Shirley Dorris, President
Sengil Inkiala, Vice President
Cullen Gallagher, Secretary
Mika Pyyhkala, Treasurer
Jen Bose, Board Member
Shara Winton, Afiliate President
Kristina Constant
Laurie Pellerin
ElizabethAnn Johnson
Wesley Taylor
Rashad Saadieh
Kobena Bonney
Adam Roberge
Stephen Yerardi
Al Sten-Clanton
Allen Larkin
Jeff Wilson
Josh Nowak
William O’donnell
Angey Manerson
Shondell
Lindel Cooks
Sabrina
Laurie Mattioli
David Ticchi
Samia Page
Helen Kobek
Haley
Isabel Rosario
Leicia Chan
Masha Sten-clanton
Olu Osho 
Vinod Chawla
Kendall Valentine

New Members

At the start of the meeting, Sabrina, Shondell, Laurie, Allen, Samia, and Leicia introduced themselves. Following their introductions, ElizabethAnn moved that all six be welcomed as Cambridge Chapter members. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

NFB Pledge

Cullen led the NFB Pledge

Secretary’s Report

Cullen sent a corrected copy of the minutes prior to the meeting. Shara moved acceptance of the Secretary’s Report. The motion was seconded by Kristina and passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Mika presented the Treasurer’s Report. A few donations had continued to come in for the walk. The checking account balance was $332.22.
The amount for the state convention door prizes had not yet been deducted, but this would be reflected in the next report.
Cullen moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded and passed, with Rashad voting in opposition.

State Convention

Shirley highlighted the successful State Convention, including participation from new members and strong sessions. The convention committee was congratulated on the convention.

Voting In Kendall Valentine

Kendall Valentine joined the meeting and introduced himself. Following his introduction, Cullen moved that Kendall be welcomed as a member of the chapter. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously.

Elections

Elections were held for all positions. Shara conducted the election for chapter president.
Shirley Dorris was nominated for chapter president and accepted the nomination. There were no additional nominations. Kristina moved that nominations cease and that Shirley be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously. Shirley was reelected as chapter president.
Sengil Inkiala and Stephen Yerardi were nominated for vice president, and both accepted the nominations. There were no additional nominations. William moved that nominations cease. The motion was seconded by Cullen.
A voice vote was taken but was too close to call. An anonymous voting process was then used. The results were within one vote of each other, so a second vote was taken. The second vote resulted in a tie.
The possibility of having co-vice presidents was discussed as a way to move forward. However, a vote would have been required to allow this, as it was not included in the constitution. David suggested that Zoom participants be allowed to vote in this election to break the tie. This was done, and Sengil was reelected as vice president.
Cullen Gallagher was nominated for secretary and accepted the nomination. There were no additional nominations. Kristina moved that nominations cease and that Cullen be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously. Cullen was reelected as secretary.
Mika Pyyhkala was nominated for treasurer and accepted the nomination. There were no additional nominations. Cullen moved that nominations cease and that Mika be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously. Mika was reelected as treasurer.
Jen Bose, Kristina Constant, and Stephen Yerardi were nominated for board member and accepted the nominations. There were no additional nominations. A voice vote declared Jen the winner.

Donation to Shannon Donahue

Shirley informed the chapter that member Shannon Donahue was in the hospital with a brain injury and would be undergoing surgery the following day. The chapter discussed making a donation to assist with her recovery. Following discussion, Inky moved that the chapter donate $100 to Shannon. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for May 11.
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