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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cullen, I have one small revision. I think that I also mentioned that Walk funds have helped with scholarships . These items are mentioned in the Walk letter mailing. Thinks for your timely writing of the minutes. Best, David<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Cullen Gallagher via Massachusetts-NFB<br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, June 13, 2025 3:15 AM<br><b>To:</b> NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List <massachusetts-nfb@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> Cullen Gallagher <cullen.gallagher@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> [Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter June Meeting Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hi Everyone,<o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal>The minutes from Monday evening\u2019s Cambridge Chapter meeting are attached and pasted below.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks,<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal>CUllen<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><h1 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:30.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:43.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Cambridge Chapter Minutes, June 9, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>The June 9, 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>In Attendance:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Shirley Dorris, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Sengil Inkiala, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Cullen Gallagher, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Mika Pyyhkala, Treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Jen Bose, Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Rashad Saadieh<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>William Odonnell<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Stephen Yerardi<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Kyra Sweeney<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Adam Roberge<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>ElizabethAnn Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Kobena Bonney<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>David Ticchi<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Helen Kobek<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Kristina Constant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Ellen Bartelt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>John Oliveira<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Sunish Gupta<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Mark Paquette<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Kendal Valentine<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>RIck Camann<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>NFB Pledge<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>William led the NFB Pledge<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Approval of Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Corrections were noted for the May minutes, including adding Rashad to the attendees list and correcting the spelling of Helen\u2019s name. Inky moved that we accept the May minutes as corrected; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Treasurer\u2019s Report<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Mika presented the Treasurer\u2019s Report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>We had a few transactions this month related to recent events affecting members of our affiliate. The chapter sent $100 each to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Al Sten-Clanton, following his injury;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Affiliate President Shara Winton, following a family bereavement;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>The Springfield Chapter, following the loss of Annette Davis Harris.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>We also had our automatic $50 PAC contribution. The checking account balance was $2,695.79.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>William moved that we accept the Treasurer\u2019s Report; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Gerry Difranza, a longtime member, also passed away recently. Inky moved that we send $100 to Gerry\u2019s family; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Presidential Release<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>The <a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2025-05/presidential_release_june_2025_chapter_version.mp3"><b><span style='color:#660066;text-decoration:none'>June Presidential Release </span></b></a>was played.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Exhibit Table at National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Shirley announced that the affiliate would have a table at the exhibit hall in New Orleans, where we would sell t-shirts and other items. Shirley would be in charge of the table, scheduling volunteers, and handling funds. Members were asked to let Shirley know their availability so she could create and distribute the schedule. Shirley would send an email requesting this information from members, and would also include the Exhibit Hall Schedule. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Ellen announced that there would be a raffle for the BELL program at the table. Raffle prizes would include lotion, soap, a Glam Cane, and a gift card to a food website. Tickets would be priced at $5 for one ticket and $10 for three.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Upcoming David Ticchi Walk<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Shirley reminded members that the David Ticchi Walk would take place on October 5. This is the chapter\u2019s biggest fundraiser, and members were encouraged to help spread the word.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>David indicated that more information would be available by the August meeting. Funds raised would go toward assisting members with attending National Convention and Washington Seminar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>June 4 Day at the State House<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Kyra provided a recap of our day at the State House on June 4. It was a productive day, with nine members in attendance, including four from the Cambridge Chapter. Members were divided into groups and held 22 meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>The focus was on two bills: one prohibiting discrimination against adults with disabilities in family and juvenile court proceedings (which would protect blind parents), and another imposing fines on Uber and Lyft drivers who discriminate against riders with service animals. Reception was positive on both issues, and three representatives co-sponsored the service animal bill. Kyra expressed enthusiasm for holding this event again next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Financials and Board Meetings<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Rashad raised concerns about access to affiliate financial information and whether chapter members were receiving the full financial picture. It was clarified that the chapter treasurer reports on chapter funds, while affiliate-level financial reporting takes place at affiliate board meetings. Members wishing to receive those details were encouraged to attend the board meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;text-indent:.25in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>ElizabethAnn emphasized the importance of members being informed of board meeting schedules in advance and having opportunities to provide input. Kyra and Shirley agreed that more could be done to improve communication and committed to ensuring that members receive the affiliate board meeting schedule going forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:40.3pt;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:29.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Adjournment<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;background:#FDFDFD;caret-color: rgb(10, 10, 10)'><span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#0A0A0A'>The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for August 11.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></body></html>