President’s Message

LLI’s immediate past president, Derick Malis, stepped up to chair the Nominating Committee, and Board members Andy Butler and Ed McKnight volunteered to serve on the committee. Our by-laws require that two LLI members at large also be included, so Pete Brandman and Bonnie Nelson have volunteered. To all members of LLI, if you are interested in running for a Board position, please contact Derick by March 6. Remember, we are all in this together!

As I’ve said many times, your generosity to our community is incredible. It is also gratifying to receive acknowledgement for our efforts. The NOVA Foundation sends us monthly notes of appreciation for our contributions made on behalf of our Forum speakers to its Student Success Fund. This is an emergency fund that enables individual students in critical need of support to continue their studies. Our efforts do make a difference!

VP Patty B and I participated in a regional LLI conference several weeks ago. Discussions included ways to increase membership and to engage members, as well as approaches to course makeup. Two interesting suggestions were to (1) issue “guest passes” to classes for prospective members and (2) hold an informal “coffee klatch” where members could socialize more easily. Twenty minutes before our Forums is not enough time for new members, in particular, to meet folks. If you have ideas on how to welcome and mix with new members, please let me know at my email below. We also gleaned a few ideas for new classes and forums. Should you have anything at all (good or bad) to pass on, please send me an email.  Always remember:

Our strength is our members!

Patti Volz
President, LLI/NOVA