[Massachusetts-NFB] At-Large chapter August Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hi Everyone,
Looking forward to seeing you all this evening.
Here are the minutes from August.
Thanks,
Cullen
NFBMA At-Large Chapter Minutes, August 11, 2026

The August 11, 2026 meeting of the At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts was called to order at 7:06 PM.
In Attendance:

Stephen Yerardi, President
Liz Lesperance, Vice President
Cullen Gallagher, Secretary
ElizabethAnn Johnson, Board Member
Brian Langlois
Sandy Burgess
Neil Schoonmaker
Shirley Dorris
Sengil Inkiala
Mike Karsok
Ren Lovegood
Janet Wachira
Shannon Cantan
William O’Donnell
Patricia Lipovsky
Grace Anderson
Connection Question: What was the first skill you realized you were good at, and do you still use that skill today?
NFB Pledge

ElizabethAnn led the NFB Pledge.
Secretary’s Report

Inky moved acceptance of the June minutes; the motion was seconded by ElizabethAnn and passed unanimously.
Springfield Walk

Stephen recapped a successful trip to the Springfield Chapter Walk. Eight members from the Boston area attended.
Coast to Coast Update

Liz gave an update on Coast to Coast Movement Challenge activities. The chapter was looking at holding an event on October 23 involving climbing stairs at the John Hancock building, possibly as a relay with members completing portions of the approximately 60 floors and using the elevators between participants.
As part of a larger New England effort, all six New England affiliates were also discussing collectively walking enough steps during October to represent traveling from capital city to capital city throughout New England, approximately 600 miles.
T-Shirts

New NFB of Massachusetts T-shirts were discussed. The shirts would be worn at Coast to Coast activities and other events during Blind Equality Achievement Month and would feature the phrase “Who Are We? NFB.” Purple was suggested as a possible color. It was recommended that gray be avoided, as it seemed to be the least popular color with the previous shirts.
Members expressed concern about ordering additional shirts while the affiliate still had many of the previous shirts. Cullen indicated that any new shirts would likely be produced in a limited quantity or through a preorder system rather than as a large bulk purchase. Members also suggested that individuals purchasing shirts should pay for their own orders.
Instacart Fundraiser

Stephen reminded members about the affiliate’s Instacart gift card fundraiser. Members and supporters could purchase gift cards for their own Instacart purchases, with purchases benefiting the affiliate.
Members were encouraged to continue purchasing and sharing the fundraiser with friends and family. The affiliate was also working to maintain its consecutive-day purchase streak, which could result in additional bonus funds. The fundraiser would run through the end of December.
Instacart Fundraiser <https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/83758-national-federation-of-the-blind-of-ma-instacart-fundraising-campaigns?utm_campaign=ss_facebook&utm_content=cpp&utm_medium=social&utm_source=offers_promo&fbclid=IwdGRleAUNKCBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUOCeVCdnCw4HU2uuNekmkEp-F4K0HmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6bZLv4m8naxOQaXpm2kCQ7yHS8_WPbILgg2SEtbX5I3MUvyWk42KuvoiqqHQ_aem_4xDNt6NoJ0KimS1QqUznTQ>
David Ticchi Cambridge Walk

Stephen reminded members about the David Ticchi Cambridge Annual Walk on October 4 at Fresh Pond Reservoir in Cambridge. Members could support the walk by attending, finding sponsors, making a contribution, or sharing information about the event. Additional information, including a flyer and donation information, would be distributed.
Giggle Gala

The Giggle Gala comedy fundraiser would be held Thursday, December 3, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets would be $50 and would include all-you-can-eat pizza. Other menu items and drinks would be available for purchase. The auction would feature vacation packages. The Eventbrite registration link would be available soon.
Accessible Voting Equipment Fairs

Stephen reminded members about the accessible voting fairs being held that week. The events gave voters an opportunity to test potential new accessible voting systems and provide feedback.
Remaining events included Brockton, Watertown at Perkins School for the Blind, and one in Worcester. Members were encouraged to attend one of the events if possible and evaluate the equipment.
Legislative Updates

Stephen shared the following legislative updates. A federal court had vacated the December 2025 Department of Education decision concerning Randolph-Sheppard priority for dining facilities, preserving protections for vendors.
Stephen also discussed the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, which had passed the House of Representatives and would authorize Social Security demonstration projects related to SSDI. The legislation still needed Senate action.
Other Items

Stephen highlighted job openings at the National Office, a senior seminar, and a student seminar in Tucson.
Presidential Release

The August Presidential Release <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2026-07/presidential_release_august_2026_chapter_version._final.mp3> Was played.
Upcoming Tai Chi Presentation

Stephen announced that Scott Greenblatt would give a presentation on tai chi on August 20 at 7:00 PM. It would be hosted using the standard affiliate Zoom link.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for September 8.
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