2025
SENIOR STUDIES INSTITUTE – 10-3-2025 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
10-16-25 DRAFT
MEETING ATTENDANCE – 13 Persons Total
Executive Board (3 of 5 Present) Diedre Cain, Chair-Elect; Deborah Carrales, Treasurer; Patsy Stephenson, Secretary (Absent: Erleen Whitney, Chair; Helen Elder, Past Chair)
Other Voting Members (5 of 7 Present) Betty Woods, Membership Administrator & Publications; David Gaynon, Curriculum Chair; Members-At-Large Carolyn Raz, Mimi Shore, Leslie Haggard. (Absent: Tsipora Dimant, Member-At-Large; Patty Adams, Member-At-Large/Goodwill Ambassador)
Other Meeting Attendees (5 Total) Sandy Miller, Co-Newsletter Editor; Warren Karmol, Acting Webmaster; Connie Angelucci; Susan Foxman; Judith Reece
AGENDA
l. Call to order
Chair-Elect Diedre Cain called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
ll. Approval of Sept 5, 2025 minutes
The board voted to approve the minutes.
lll. Treasurer's Report – Deborah Carrales
Income: $1,430.00
Expenses: $159.90
YTD Income: $6,490.00
YTD Expenses: $1,947.16 (Budget: $10,358.00)
PCC account balance: $25,259.76
lll. Treasurer's Report - Deborah Carrales, Continued - PCC Liaison Report
Deborah Carrales, Warren Karmol and Neal Naigus met with Randy Zeller from the PCC Foundation on September 8th regarding the $25K abandoned funds. Randy told us that the Foundation planned to give part of those funds to current PCC students in need of financial assistance. Giving some of the funds to SSI was being considered. If any funds are given to SSI then those dollars will be transferred into SSI's existing account with the college. There are ongoing talks between PCC and the Foundation. At this point SSI is out of the discussion. We wait for a decision and any ramifications to our current budget and spending limitations if the Foundation gives SSI a cash infusion.
IV. Membership Report – Betty Woods
SSI Membership Report for September, 2025 – October 2, 2025
Renewed Members 165
Lifetime Members 14
Removed Lois Feldman (Have received
no communication for 3 years)
Deceased Members 0
New Members This Month 7
New Members YTD 7
Total Members This Time Last Year: 234
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 186
Betty said that the newsletter has carried a warning that anyone not renewing by October 8 will be dropped from the mail list.
V. Curriculum Committee Report – David Gaynon
David, as Co-Chair, will concentrate on speakers. Co-Chair Mimi Shore will
focus on meeting facilitation, and she will be available to help with work currently being done by Warren Karmol.
Locations are not yet determined for some spring classes. The availability of Neighborhood House is not yet known – we should hear from them sometime in October. Andy Muniz has suggested retrying the PCC Willow Creek campus. David has received 27 replies of interest for a Great Discussions series of classes to be held monthly, January through March.
It will be in-person only, as stipulated by the class leader. The location will be determined based on registrations.
There will be approximately 90 classes for the coming year – perhaps 100, if Curiosity Café classes are added. New ideas are welcome.
Diedre has an idea for an online event for Indigenous People’s Day on October 13. Even though the date is a holiday for some people, the board showed interest in the value of holding the event on the appropriate day.
Vl. Goodwill Ambassador Report – Patty Adams (absent, no report)
Vll. New Business
A. Recruitment Duties/Members-at-large – David Gaynon
Enabling the five Board Members-at-Large to take responsibility for important roles was discussed. More help is needed for the Curriculum Committee. Social events also need leaders. (See VII.D)
B. End-of-year (calendar year) Newsletter – Diedre Cain
Diedre suggested creating an end-of-year recap to celebrate a year of SSI achievements. Board members mentioned other efforts to relate SSI history. Diedre asked to hear objections to this recap and none were heard.
C. Community for Positive Aging - Diedre Cain
(notes from Barry Bennett)
Barry will speak about the U.S. Constitution at the CFPA facility in the Hollywood neighborhood, on December 4.
D. Holiday party plans/planner
There are only two social events foreseen for the year – each needs a leader.
Even though this role is outside the scope of the Curriculum Committee David agreed to ask for a volunteer to take charge of the holiday party. David wants everyone to understand that this role remains outside of the scope of the Curriculum Committee.
E. Alcohol Policy – Deborah Carrales
PCC does not allow student clubs to have alcohol at events. SSI is considered a club and therefore cannot allow alcohol at events. PCC is working on specific rules and regulations for SSI. Whether or not the alcohol policy can allow SSI alcohol at events in the future is unknown. Depending on the specific rules and regulations created for SSI, our constitution might need to be changed.
F. Sellwood Current Events group - Diedre Cain (notes from Andy Muniz)
The group is experiencing growth pressure. It was possible to reach a solution by dividing into two groups. More openings for new participants will result, and SSI will not be charged extra rent.
G. Revision of our Constitution – Discussion Deferred
H. Change in our Executive Committee – Diedre Cain
Warren Karmol will contact Helen Elder to formalize her departure from the Past Chair office on the SSI Board. Andy Muniz has expressed his availability to serve as replacement. The executive committee will vote at the appropriate time.
Vlll. Old Business
1. Welcome meeting for new members – Warren Karmol
Warren, Andy, Barry and Betty will host a New Member Gathering. Two other people will be asked to talk about their experience in SSI.
2. Registration for PCC’s SSI “class” – Deborah Carrales
All who are willing are encouraged to register with PCC. It seems we have reached our required minimum, but the more the better.
3. Action Items: a) Increase the Membership dues? b) Couple discount?
Discussion was deferred – we have until next summer to plan the increase and gain acceptance among SSI members.
4. Outreach flyer – Diedre Cain
Diedre reported her investigation of the PCC’s DIY graphics services and print center. She asked if there were existing satisfactory relationships with printers. Betty Woods reported a long-standing relationship with Gresham Minute Man. Some board members continued to mention the possibility, at the suggestion of Neal Naigus, of professional marketing help from PCC.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 am.
The next regular board meeting date is Friday, November 7, 2025.
Submitted by Patsy Stephenson, Board Secretary
10-16-25 DRAFT
MEETING ATTENDANCE – 13 Persons Total
Executive Board (3 of 5 Present) Diedre Cain, Chair-Elect; Deborah Carrales, Treasurer; Patsy Stephenson, Secretary (Absent: Erleen Whitney, Chair; Helen Elder, Past Chair)
Other Voting Members (5 of 7 Present) Betty Woods, Membership Administrator & Publications; David Gaynon, Curriculum Chair; Members-At-Large Carolyn Raz, Mimi Shore, Leslie Haggard. (Absent: Tsipora Dimant, Member-At-Large; Patty Adams, Member-At-Large/Goodwill Ambassador)
Other Meeting Attendees (5 Total) Sandy Miller, Co-Newsletter Editor; Warren Karmol, Acting Webmaster; Connie Angelucci; Susan Foxman; Judith Reece
AGENDA
l. Call to order
Chair-Elect Diedre Cain called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
ll. Approval of Sept 5, 2025 minutes
The board voted to approve the minutes.
lll. Treasurer's Report – Deborah Carrales
Income: $1,430.00
Expenses: $159.90
YTD Income: $6,490.00
YTD Expenses: $1,947.16 (Budget: $10,358.00)
PCC account balance: $25,259.76
lll. Treasurer's Report - Deborah Carrales, Continued - PCC Liaison Report
Deborah Carrales, Warren Karmol and Neal Naigus met with Randy Zeller from the PCC Foundation on September 8th regarding the $25K abandoned funds. Randy told us that the Foundation planned to give part of those funds to current PCC students in need of financial assistance. Giving some of the funds to SSI was being considered. If any funds are given to SSI then those dollars will be transferred into SSI's existing account with the college. There are ongoing talks between PCC and the Foundation. At this point SSI is out of the discussion. We wait for a decision and any ramifications to our current budget and spending limitations if the Foundation gives SSI a cash infusion.
IV. Membership Report – Betty Woods
SSI Membership Report for September, 2025 – October 2, 2025
Renewed Members 165
Lifetime Members 14
Removed Lois Feldman (Have received
no communication for 3 years)
Deceased Members 0
New Members This Month 7
New Members YTD 7
Total Members This Time Last Year: 234
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 186
Betty said that the newsletter has carried a warning that anyone not renewing by October 8 will be dropped from the mail list.
V. Curriculum Committee Report – David Gaynon
David, as Co-Chair, will concentrate on speakers. Co-Chair Mimi Shore will
focus on meeting facilitation, and she will be available to help with work currently being done by Warren Karmol.
Locations are not yet determined for some spring classes. The availability of Neighborhood House is not yet known – we should hear from them sometime in October. Andy Muniz has suggested retrying the PCC Willow Creek campus. David has received 27 replies of interest for a Great Discussions series of classes to be held monthly, January through March.
It will be in-person only, as stipulated by the class leader. The location will be determined based on registrations.
There will be approximately 90 classes for the coming year – perhaps 100, if Curiosity Café classes are added. New ideas are welcome.
Diedre has an idea for an online event for Indigenous People’s Day on October 13. Even though the date is a holiday for some people, the board showed interest in the value of holding the event on the appropriate day.
Vl. Goodwill Ambassador Report – Patty Adams (absent, no report)
Vll. New Business
A. Recruitment Duties/Members-at-large – David Gaynon
Enabling the five Board Members-at-Large to take responsibility for important roles was discussed. More help is needed for the Curriculum Committee. Social events also need leaders. (See VII.D)
B. End-of-year (calendar year) Newsletter – Diedre Cain
Diedre suggested creating an end-of-year recap to celebrate a year of SSI achievements. Board members mentioned other efforts to relate SSI history. Diedre asked to hear objections to this recap and none were heard.
C. Community for Positive Aging - Diedre Cain
(notes from Barry Bennett)
Barry will speak about the U.S. Constitution at the CFPA facility in the Hollywood neighborhood, on December 4.
D. Holiday party plans/planner
There are only two social events foreseen for the year – each needs a leader.
Even though this role is outside the scope of the Curriculum Committee David agreed to ask for a volunteer to take charge of the holiday party. David wants everyone to understand that this role remains outside of the scope of the Curriculum Committee.
E. Alcohol Policy – Deborah Carrales
PCC does not allow student clubs to have alcohol at events. SSI is considered a club and therefore cannot allow alcohol at events. PCC is working on specific rules and regulations for SSI. Whether or not the alcohol policy can allow SSI alcohol at events in the future is unknown. Depending on the specific rules and regulations created for SSI, our constitution might need to be changed.
F. Sellwood Current Events group - Diedre Cain (notes from Andy Muniz)
The group is experiencing growth pressure. It was possible to reach a solution by dividing into two groups. More openings for new participants will result, and SSI will not be charged extra rent.
G. Revision of our Constitution – Discussion Deferred
H. Change in our Executive Committee – Diedre Cain
Warren Karmol will contact Helen Elder to formalize her departure from the Past Chair office on the SSI Board. Andy Muniz has expressed his availability to serve as replacement. The executive committee will vote at the appropriate time.
Vlll. Old Business
1. Welcome meeting for new members – Warren Karmol
Warren, Andy, Barry and Betty will host a New Member Gathering. Two other people will be asked to talk about their experience in SSI.
2. Registration for PCC’s SSI “class” – Deborah Carrales
All who are willing are encouraged to register with PCC. It seems we have reached our required minimum, but the more the better.
3. Action Items: a) Increase the Membership dues? b) Couple discount?
Discussion was deferred – we have until next summer to plan the increase and gain acceptance among SSI members.
4. Outreach flyer – Diedre Cain
Diedre reported her investigation of the PCC’s DIY graphics services and print center. She asked if there were existing satisfactory relationships with printers. Betty Woods reported a long-standing relationship with Gresham Minute Man. Some board members continued to mention the possibility, at the suggestion of Neal Naigus, of professional marketing help from PCC.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 am.
The next regular board meeting date is Friday, November 7, 2025.
Submitted by Patsy Stephenson, Board Secretary