Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware in Lewes
Council Minutes
Frederick Thomas Building
October 22, 2015

In attendance were: Council members Bill Sharkey (chair), Bob Comeau (chair emeritus), Peter Feeney, Dolores Fiegel, Mary Folan, Phil Fretz, Lynn Kroesen, Sabatino Maglione, Rob Morgan, Carol West; librarian and archivist Ruth Barnett; committee chairs Bernie Fiegel and Joan Sciorra; program coordinator Anna Moshier; Bill Ashmore, instructional support for Ocean View; and University representative Jim Broomall.

Bill called the meeting to order at 12:24 p.m.

The agenda, as amended, and the minutes of the meeting on September 17, 2015, were approved.

University:  Jim Broomall, Associate Vice Provost for Continuing Studies at the University of Delaware, circulated a copy of a “2015 Impact Report,” which describes how the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, including the University’s Osher Lifelong Learning program, served 14,945 people in 2015.  The report is available online at http://issuu.com/udprofessionalcontinuingstudies/docs/udpcsimpactreport2015?e=0/15346210.

Jim Broomall also reported that the division reorganized statewide to grow in Dover and is taking new space there.  Going forward the University will pick up all rent for Dover, and will also pick up Lewes’s rent.  On the other hand, Lewes program will pick up 100% of Anna’s salary.  These changes would take effect July 1, 2016.  If Lewes’s rent increased, the University would absorb the risk.

Staff:  Anna Moshier reported that we had received a letter from Mayor Becker about parking, asking that our students follow the rules or citations may result.  Bill suggested that we should, in scheduling classes, try to avoid scheduling large classes at the same time.

We are going to add to our spring timeline a walk-in registration option for Ocean View to be held December 16.

We have accepted a candidate for the instructional support position in Lewes, subject to University approvals.

Anna asked for approval to reimburse the Town of Ocean View $150 for facilities use on 8/17 and 9/12/15.  Bob Comeau so moved and the motion passed by voice vote without opposition.

Committee reports (*indicates report on file)

Long Range Planning:    Peter Feeney distributed handouts on sample vision and mission statements.  Sabatino, Bill, and Anna volunteered to form a committee to draft them.  Their goal is to report back at the January meeting of the Council.

Communications:  Lynn Kroesen was congratulated on her excellent work in the last Tides newsletter.  

Travel:  Joan Sciorra reported that the trip to the University was excellent as far as the performance went, but only 17 people took the trip and the mini-coach was not ideal.

The trip to the Battleship NJ was cancelled for lack of sign-ups.

For the April 2016 trip to New York City, 100 people have paid either their deposit or in full.

The next trip to UD REP is to see Heartbreak House; members have until October 29th to sign up.

Joan Sciorra and Dolores Fiegel are organizing trips to Opera Delaware to see Hamlet and Falstaff on May 15 and 23 respectively, in 2016.

Social:	  Bernie Fiegel is meeting with the Atlantic Sands Hotel next Friday to finalize the menu and cost by November 1 for the December 3 luncheon.  Bernie will probably do a news blast as well as covering the lunch in the Tides.  

Bill thanked Bernie for the excellent deal he had negotiated for a new refrigerator, now installed, at $400.

Anna mentioned that the International Dance class asked if they could perform at luncheon.  The idea was generally welcomed.

Community Relations * Dolores Fiegel observed that Coast Day had been cancelled, but our display will be installed in the Lewes Library.  

Dolores held a Community Relations Committee meeting on October 20. On Monday, November 4, Roz Troupin will present at the South Coastal Library with the goal of better acquainting Ocean View with Osher offerings.

Library:   Ruth reported that circulation has grown over 100% in the last semester and that she has added two more instructor resources. 

Financial * Phil Fretz said that the only special item in his financial report was the money paid out for equipment. 

Academic Affairs *	Anna reported that the spring catalogue is being edited.

Carol West has a meeting on Monday of Osher Ocean View to discuss ideas raised by Ocean View members on possible subjects and activities, including classes on grant writing, pickleball, and kayaking.

Carol and Mary Folan are in the planning stage for a Special Recognition Breakfast on May 4th at the King’s Creek Country Club.

Old Business:  
Vending Machines.  Anna said that the location of vending machines close to our ramp entrance has been approved by CHSD and the Fire Marshal.  She doesn’t yet know if we can tap into vendors at the University’s campus in Lewes, or if instead we have to seek vendors on our own.   The idea has not yet been costed out.  Anna mentioned that Linda Osoinach urges avoiding cash transactions, while several Council members expressed concern that we not become less friendly to our members.

Minority participation.  Bill Sharkey led a discussion of offering black-oriented courses to encourage minority participation, possibly inviting African-American residents nearby to audit at first.  Jim Broomall mentioned an upcoming meeting of Osher in Dover at which the University’s Vice Chancellor for Diversity would address the Dover Council at 10 a.m. on December 7.  Rob Morgan suggested also adding courses attractive to the LGBT and women’s communities.  Phil Fretz offered to find men and women teachers on such topics from Camp Rehoboth.

Bylaws.  The benefits and limitations for Osher member instructors who do not pay a membership fee were discussed, with reference to Article III(1)(c) of the Bylaws (an instructor who is not a member “shall be ineligible to attend courses as a student during that semester”).  No action was taken. 

Next meeting: Friday, November 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Fred Thomas Building.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

Rob Morgan, Secretary