Dear Fellow WISE Members,

As I write this, my last blog as President, I can’t help but think of the phrase “It takes a village.” Cliché or not, the phrase aptly applies to how WISE is able to continue to stay current; to grow; and to build relationships with its academic partner, Assumption College, and with the Worcester community. Please look at the end of this blog where I list the many volunteer leaders and office professionals who have been my partners in moving our vibrant organization forward.

Your Council’s Work in May

• Thanks to one of our members who pointed out an inconsistency in the proposed bylaw change relating to the use of electronic means for voting on bylaws changes in the future, Council revised the proposed change. (Note: That revision was sent to all members shortly after the meeting.)
• Our Director’s efforts have resulted in a number of new opportunities for WISE members to engage with Assumption College students and faculty. They include serving as interviewees for three classes and participation in a research project. You have already been, and will in the future be, contacted about these opportunities.
• The budget for FY 2020 (June 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020) was reviewed and approved. It includes increased spending in the areas of Special Interest Groups (a new, free educational program for members, like the Supreme Court Discussion Group); professional development funds and salary increases for the Director and the Office Manager; increased charges from Wild Apricot (our membership management software); and a new “thank you” social event for volunteers.
• These new expenditures necessitate a modest increase of $15 for membership ($265 for full year and $165 for half year). This increase will hold us for at least the next two years.

In Case Anyone Thinks that Owls Are Not Smart, Tell Them This One

A man in a movie theater noticed what looked like an owl sitting next to him.
Are you an owl?" asked the man, surprised.
"Yes" replied the owl.
"What are you doing at the movies?" the man asked.
Answered the owl, "I liked the book."

Be Sure to…

Join us at the Annual Meeting June 4, 11:30 am, in Hagan Hall on the Assumption campus. For more information: https://assumptionwise.org/event-3374529

Register for one or more summer courses. https://assumptionwise.org/courses

Thank You to WISE’s Leadership Village…

Vice President Tej Maini
Secretary Donna Crocker
Treasurer Sue Tellier
Curriculum Chair Barbara Groves
Communications Chair Elaine Bloom
Nominating Chair Zelda Schwartz
Outreach Committee and Planning Task Force Chair Pat Hurton
Special Events Chair and Annual Fund Leader Cookie Nelson
Travel Chair Barbara Kupfer
Past President and Summer Task Force Chair Joe Corn
Technology Advisor Karl Hakkarainen
At-Large Council Members

• Joyce Abdow-Dowd
• Ron Crocker
• Bob Dyer
• Carol Fauerbach (may she rest in peace)
• Mike Fishbein
• Pat Hertzfeld
• Cathy Samko

Director Susan Perschbacher
Office Manager Jill Lagana
…and to all the other WISE members who, in one way or another, help make WISE the great organization that it is.

Have a wonderful summer!