Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware in Lewes
Council Minutes
Fred Thomas Building
23 September 2013

Bob Comeau called the meeting to order at 3:25 p.m.
 
Attending were council members Donna Beecher, Jack Boettger, Bob Comeau (chair), Bo French, Lynn Kroesen, Frank Meredith, and Rob Morgan; librarian and archivist Ruth Barnett; committee chairs Bernie Fiegel and Joan Sciorra; program coordinator Anna Moshier; administrative assistant Renée Moy; Bill Ashmore, instructional support for Bethany; communications assistant Carrie Townsend; and University representative Linda Osoinach. 

The agenda for the meeting and the minutes of the meeting on August 26, 2013 were approved without amendment.

Staff:  Program Coordinator Anna Moshier introduced Willard (Bill) Ashmore, who has recently joined as Instructional Support Staff for Bethany.

OLLI-Dover is surveying its members regarding their interest in taking classes in Lewes and Bethany.  At Anna's request, the council approved her sending a survey to our members regarding their interest in taking classes in Dover.  No financial issues have been discussed.

Anna and Bernie have worked out a marketing timeline for the spring 2014 semester catalog.

Anna is starting to explore additional locations for our classes in Bethany.  

The art instructor in Bethany has requested reimbursement of  $119 for an easel and stool.  They would become OLLI property upon reimbursement.  The council approved the reimbursement.

Jim Broomall has authorized UD purchase of 10 iPads for our expanded computer courses.

Chair:  The office fax machine had died since the last meeting so Bob authorized the purchase of a new multi-function device for about $250.  The council ratified that decision.

Committee reports (*indicates report on file)

Financial: * (Jack Boettger)	The financial reports as of August 31 cover the previous two months.  Our revenues and expenses were about what we expected.  Some nice contributions have come in, some directly to the Future Fund, which is permissible.

Academic Affairs: *	(Donna Beecher)  Most teaching assistants disclaim enough knowledge about A/V equipment; Anna may want to consider a training session.  Anna responded that she would be glad to teach a session about such basic matters as how to run a DVD through the laptop and how to full-size a screen, but is reluctant to encourage too many people to tamper with the equipment.

Communication: (Lynn Kroesen)	The deadline for input for the next issue of The Tides is October 12.

Travel:  (Joan Sciorra)  The NYC trip has 141 people signed up, with 18 on the waiting list.  Having registration in the multi-purpose room worked well.  There are a couple of seats left for the trip to Brandywine on October 4.

Social: * (Bernie Fiegel)  For the first time we have sent the picnic flyer via email.  If this trial run works, it will be a good method for invitations for the fall 2013 luncheon, and will cut the cost and labor required for mailings.  Renée reported that 50 replies to the flyer have come in, some of which had been printed out.    

The fall luncheon is tentatively scheduled for December 4 at the Sands Hotel in Rehoboth Beach.

Community Relations: * (Frank Meredith)  Coast Day is Sunday, October 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Frank passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteer greeters at the OLLI display table.  Donna encouraged greeters to ask visitors if they had any interest in teaching, and to refer that information to Carol and Donna.

Archives and Library:  (Ruth Barnett) Ruth is making larger labels on books for ease of reading.

Old business:	None

New business:  

Garden:  As Bob had reported in an email to the Council on September 18, two volunteers, Eddie Filemyr (a master gardener) and Ellie Menser are heading an effort to create a small garden and outdoor social area near the door facing Dupont Avenue.  Eddie has prepared a design with a list of needed items totaling $783.  The council authorized up to $800 for such items.

Senior Transportation Cooperative:  Bob reported that he, Rob, and Jim Broomall had met with Nancy Feichtl, who is leading an effort to obtain financial and other support to establish the cooperative.  Jim was going to explore some kind of sponsorship or support at the University level.  Rob noted that the pro forma financial projections Nancy had provided indicated that the cooperative did not expect to become self-sustaining in the next five years at least, but would need increased external financial support as it grows.  After some discussion, a consensus developed that the initiative was praiseworthy and might well benefit some of our students, but since it was not central to our mission it would not be appropriate to contribute money to it, although we could certainly help disseminate information, especially after it becomes more defined.

Liability release for guests on OLLI-sponsored trips:  Renée has been asked if we have non-OLLI members sign a release when they take part in OLLI-sponsored trips.  We do not; members provide a release in their registration.  Linda thought the University’s risk manager would like to have guests sign something.  Anna will call the risk manager and find out what he needs.

Next meeting:  Wednesday October 23 at 12:20 p.m. in the Fred Thomas Building.

The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rob Morgan, Secretary