October 7, 2025, Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.–8:15 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85287550128?pwd=IVZr5DU6ytWL7rrescMviX3mdgmFav.1
Meeting ID: 852 8755 0128
Passcode: 679146
Attendees: Geri Spieler, David Harris, Tice Swackhamer, Sue Barizon, Eva Barrows, Tim Flood, Alisha Willis, Megan McDonald, Vanessa MacLaren-Wray, Jenny Raver, Colleen Olle, Miera Rao
1) Geri made a motion to approve the September meeting minutes. Approved.
2) The board discussed an online membership survey that will be announced at the regular monthly meeting on October 18 and available through November 15.
3) Tim updated the board on CWC membership. The renewal time has passed; we have 153 members. The board discussed possible reasons people join and drop. Tim explained that once the state CWC takes over membership, there will be no renewal period. Instead, membership will be handled centrally, and renewals will be determined by the date each member joins. Miera answered questions about critique groups. David announced a new member orientation to be held on October 22.
4) Vanessa revealed the cover for the forthcoming Fault Zone: Faultless? and provided updates about the production of the anthology. Members can pre-order copies before the holiday party on December 7, and members buying in person at the party will receive a discount.
5) Jenny asked if a speaker might get a higher honorarium. The board discussed having a budget and range for speakers based on the experience of the speaker and quality of the presentation.
6) David brought up board member emails and workloads. Board members discussed the volume of emails and how to be mindful, intentional, and specific with messaging. Phone calls can also help. The board may revisit this topic.
7) Tice provided an update on the 60th anniversary video. Tom Adams will attend the Writers Helping Writers meetings in Palo Alto and San Mateo in October for quick footage and interviewing. There will be a video session on November 20 at Rinconada Library from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The board discussed ways to celebrate our branch’s anniversary at the holiday party on December 7.
8) Eva will discuss the pilot Zoom presentation, which took place on October 1, at the next board meeting in November.
9) Geri said that the NorCal Leadership Conference, “Write the Future: Shaping the Leaders,” will take place at Zio Fraedo's Restaurant in Pleasant Hill on April 26, 2026. Tim Flood will be the keynote speaker. There will be workshops on newsletters, marketing and images, running fabulous meetings, and websites.
10) David presented the treasurer’s report in Vibha’s absence. The club has paid an entire year’s rent to the Sequoia Yacht Club. Vibha put $8,000 into a CD earning 2.9 percent. The club must keep $5,000 in this account so as not to incur fees. Money can be put in and taken out of the CD without penalty. David and Vibha will work on a budget for next year.
11) Jenny and Nirmy will discuss the number of workshops being offered in a year at the next board meeting in November.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Colleen Olle (Secretary): Notes taken October 7, 2025