Advisory Board Minutes
Association Secretary Stephanie Torres
The Arts and Crafts Association Advisory Board, like all clubs and organizations which meet monthly, has a secretary who takes the minutes of the meeting. At the next monthly meeting, the minutes are reviewed and approved or disapproved, and corrrections are made.
Once the minutes are approved, they are released for publication on the website.
VACA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4 PM - 5 PM, Art Room
VACA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4 PM - 5 PM, Art Room
President: Mandy Book – Called meeting to order at: 4:00 PM
Board Members Roll call:
Mandy Book – President xPresent
Claudia Welch – Vice President xPresent
Suzanne Ferris – Treasurer xPresent
Stephanie Torres – Secretary xPresent
Diane Finley – Ceramics Room xPresent
Barbara Gottesman – Art Class Coordinator
and Web Master xPresent
Michael Sunzeri – Programs/Exhibits xPresent
Colleen Mirassou – New Members Greeter xPresent
Parthenia Hicks – Historian xAbsent
Marion Rose – Art Films xPresent
Guest: Dominic Broadhead, Director for Recreation
**Discussion RE: use of Art and Ceramics rooms for scheduling purposes next year - Dominic: Open Studio hours can't conflict with art and ceramic class hours/other scheduled events He wants a schedule for classes for the Q4 for this year.
Dominic giving report as to how we should use reservation space, as we function differently, Board goes into discussion about usage. No one can reserve Ceramics Room as resident, can allow someone to use room, who is a ceramics teacher,
One issue of Art Room is classes overlapping open studios. Barbara will get a new Q 4 2025 (October, November and December) and a new 2026 Art Room Schedule to Dominic by September 30, 2025. (Done on September 28.)She will also send him the two new Art Room Schedules where no art class overlaps an open studio. For next year's classes, Barbara will schedule no classes double booked over Open Studios, so he won't have a scheduling problem. Communication between Dominic and Art Room Scheduler is vital. No need for two week's notice to reschedule, especially within our own group.
Barbara – Is rental fee of $60 charged per class or per day? Dominic: Per class. If members-only class, no fee. If resident has birthday, retirement or party, etc. ,no fee.
If group meeting of outsiders, fee is charged. If by chance, the Art Room or Ceramics Room is scheduled for another group, Dominic's team will cover all possessions in room with butcher paper.
1. REPORTING:
Secretary: Stephanie Torres - Approval of Aug 28, 2025 minutes (link )
Approval motion made by _________; seconded by ________
Approval vote – Ayes ______ Nays _____ Report approved ________Not approved ______
Treasurer: Suzanne Ferris (Fund Balances )
Total fund balance 1/1/25: $17,024.50 (Bank balance)
For the month September 2025:
Total income was $ 80.00
Expenses were $ 366.96
Net income (loss) was $ -286.96
YTD 2025 Financial Report:
Total fund balance 1/1/2025 $17,024.50
Total income YTD 2025 is $ 5,970.80
Total expenses YTD 2025 are $ 6,356.61
Ending fund balance on 9/25/25 is $ 17,005.65
Approval motion made by ____Claudia_____; seconded by __Stephanie_____________
Approval vote – Ayes _____X_ Nays _____ Report approved X________Not approved ______
—------------------------ Suzanne: Zelle account set-up for Wells Fargo account Board asks for line item report
Vice President, Membership: Claudia Welch – Membership update one new member, Sharon Wy, for September. 292 current members. We get no notification if people move or pass away,
Membership is: 292 on September 25, 2025. Link to Member List
2. OLD BUSINESS
2a. Nominating Committee report (Diane/Barbara/Claudia):
Barbara passed around the Nominating Committee report:
Parthenia Hicks for President
Claudia Welch for Vice President
Stephanie Torres for Secretary
Julie Perkins for Treasurer
Treasurer – Diane said Julie Perkins removed her name from consideration.
Barbara moved that we ask Suzanne to stay on as Treasurer and nominate her for election to a 2 year term in November. Seconded: Diane. Approved 9, disapproved 0. Motion carried.
The Board then asked Suzanne to remain as Treasurer.
Suzanne said that her talents were better suited to be Coordinator of Volunteers, but that she would remain as Treasurer if we found no one else.
Diane volunteered to send a targeted e mail to all members who had listed “advisory board, computer skills, etc.” to see if we could find a volunteer for Treasurer.
2b. Master Calendar submitted on Aug 19, to be returned for review by Sept 30. (Mandy will do a new VACA calendar summary for 2026 once that's been approved and provide the link.)
Member numbers provided by accounting group, to be returned to us for input into membership list by Claudia
Art Room now has a rental fee associated with it
2c. Key and email check list: Barbara has list of key holders so Mandy can send to Recreation at the end of the year
3. NEW BUSINESS
3a. Demo at New Resident Meeting: Colleen ri ask a teacher to do a live demo. Mandy will ask when next meeting, and if we can have someone do an art work live during the NRO.
New brochure by Barbara next Wednesday
3b. Renewal letter Nov. 1 - anything to include? If you still want to be a continuing member, marketing opportunity and suggestions for new classes and new teachers.
3c. Volunteer coordinator position Suzanne Ferris interested. Barbara made the motion create position of Volunteeer Coordinator 2nd Colleen. Unanimous in favor. Position is now official Board position.
4. STATUS UPDATE/PROGRAMS, CLASSES AND bEVENTS
See updated VACA schedule at:
4a. Art Films: Marion Rose
22 people at last film Next film is: October 28, 2025, MC Esher. Confirm November 25 last date for 2025
4b. Ceramics: Diane Finley - Beginning Class started 9/24/25 for 5 weeks by Suzanne F
4c. Art Classes Coordinator: Barbara Gottesman, All classes register with Barbara:
Proposal: Proposal: offer an Art Focus during Open Studios. Free – Maybe Michael & Colleen for assemblage. Fill in times for a focus for all Open Studios. Barbara will pursue. Not Make and Take like we did in the evenings. This is to fill up the weekday times.
Open Studios:
Monday and Friday mornings: 10 am – 12 noon with Taf Tafarrodi.
Monday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Michael Sunzeri
Thursday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Stephanie Torres
Friday afternoons: Greg Cheung and Rod Tieman
Free Writing Memoirs class with Claudia & Barbara. Barbara will send a schedule. Will VACA reimburse art materials for free classes? Mandy: up to $50, anything over submit to whole Board for approval.
Upcoming classes and events in the Art Room:
October 2: “Collage a Pumpkin” with Stephanie Torres. Thursday, 6 pm in the Art Room. $25.
October 3 – and 17, November 7 and 21, December 5: Free Card Making Group with Mandy Book and Sheila Robinson. Forum Room, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
October 8 - 29: “Watercolor plus Multi Media” with Doug Canepa. Wednesdays, 10 am - 12 noon. $70 with 4 free watercolor Open Studios with Doug on Saturdays.
November 6 – 26: “Watercolor plus Multi Media” with Doug Canepa. Wednesdays, 10 am - 12 noon. $70 with 4 free watercolor Open Studios with Doug on Saturdays.
November 11 and 18 AND December 2 and 8: “Art Journaling” with Pat Remington. Tuesday afternoons, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. $50. All materials included.
December 4: “Winter Paint Party” with Nicole Alexander. Thursday evening, 5 – 7 pm. $45
4d. Historian: Parthenia Hicks.
4e. Exhibits and Programs Coordinator: Michael Sunzeri.
Next solo exhibit is: October 14 Pimei Huang, 12 or 13 art works.
Next member meeting: November 3: Lynn Olsen wooden toys
4f. New Members Greeter: Colleen Mirassou
New member reception debrief . Colleen and Stephanie ask people to next time talk about their piece. About 40 people attended, lots of interaction between people, small art was a hit and recommended for next year as well.
4g. Events: Diane Finley Holiday Faire: November 15 Need a team. Needs a lot of volunteers.
5. Next General Meeting and Demo is: Monday October 6, 2025, 1:45-3:00 pm in Cribari Conference Room.
6. Next Advisory Board Meeting: Oct. 30 at 4 pm in the Art Room. (Claudia presiding)
Meeting of August 28, 2025 Adjourned at __5:10_____ by President Mandy Book.
VACA Advisory Board Meeting – Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 4 PM - 5 PM, Art Room
Vice President: Claudia Welch – Called meeting to order at:
Board Members Roll call:
Mandy Book – President Present XAbsent
Claudia Welch – Vice President XPresent Absent
Suzanne Ferris – Treasurer Present XAbsent
Stephanie Torres – Secretary XPresent Absent
Diane Finley – Ceramics Room Present XAbsent
Barbara Gottesman – Art Class Coordinator/Web Master XPresent Absent
Michael Sunzeri – Programs/Exhibits XPresent Absent
Colleen Mirassou – New Members Greeter Present XAbsent
Parthenia Hicks – Historian XPresent Absent
Marion Rose – Art Films Present XAbsent
1. REPORTING:
Secretary: Stephanie Torres - Approval of July 31, 2025 minutes ( copy link here or provide copies for review ) July meeting minutes lost and will be submitted
Approval motion made by ___barbara__; seconded by _____stephanie___
Approval vote – Ayes ____X__ Nays _____ Report X___Not approved ______
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treasurer: Suzanne Ferris:
Barbara motioned 2nd by colleen that we have an line item statement for board meeting.
Barbara motioned 2nd by Parthenia wedid not approve this report since its not itemized give her an opportunity to respond will approve report when its submitted as a line item document.
Total fund balance 1/1/25: $17,271.54 (Bank balance)
For the month August 2025:
Total income was $
Expenses were $
Net income (loss) was $
YTD 2025 Financial Report:
Total fund balance 1/1/2025 $17,271.54
Total income YTD 2025 is $
Total expenses YTD 2025 are $
Ending fund balance on 8/28/25 is $ $
Approval motion made by _________; seconded by _______________
Approval vote – Ayes ______ Nays _____ Report approved ________Not approved ______
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice President, Membership: Claudia Welch – Membership update __ new members for August.
Membership is: ___ on August 28, 2025. Link to Member List t "_blank"
2. OLD BUSINESS
2a. Election committee update (Diane/Barbara) – met with Kathy tanaka – nominations did not go through nomination committee – who is the nomination committee diane Barbara Kathy - who are the Suzanne ferris for pres and no vice – secretary - mandy - So we make a memo to there was discuss as to the procedure and the presentation of the committee members – diane sent letter to old members requesting positions open –next step the nomination committee – ask interested parties come to the board mtg and be interviewed. Reconvene and follow the established rule, and submit names – the present officers need to be aske if they want to stay on – nominating committee changes every year
The nominating committee 1 ask present officers 2nd ask those who want to participate 3d we vote on them. Only for the four officers pres, vice pres, secretary, treasurer
Claudia – decline
Stephanie decline
Ask Suzanne and mandy if they want to stay on
So we need vice president
Barbara will do it
Committee directed by board to bring nominated team
2b. Master Calendar submitted on Aug 19, to be returned for review by Sept 30. (Copy provided for Board review) Michael got submissions for 2026 Diane and Barbara got same thing – taken care of. Room set up has changed – plus new price for rooms. From 60 - 90
2c. Home Studio debrief (Diane)
2d. Article status (Parthenia) met with Barbara and got wonderful history – now has much information – article due early October – will send to us to review – submit to gal at
3. NEW BUSINESS
3a. Discussion - Free event tables to Board Members, some benefit? Show benefits – holiday fair – free table still give % of sales _ everyone voted yes to keep this up.
4. STATUS UPDATE/PROGRAMS, CLASSES AND EVENTS
See updated VACA schedule at: t "_blank" no comments
4a. Art Films: Marion Rose
Next event is: September 23, 2025 in hospital kidney stone / failer
4b. Ceramics: Diane Finley - Beginning Class starting in late September
4c. Art Classes Coordinator: Barbara Gottesman, All classes register with Barbara: barb.gottesmans@gmai.com Barbara will send updated list of class schedule
Open Studios:
Monday and Friday mornings: 10 am – 12 noon with Taf Tafarrodi.
Monday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Michael Sunzeri
Tuesday afternoons:
Wednesday and Friday afternoons : 2- 5 pm with Swati Mohari
Thursday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Stephanie Torres
Friday afternoons:
Upcoming classes and events in the Art Room:
Events:
September 15: New Members Reception, Monday, 5:30 pm, Cribari Center Art Room.
Directors: Directors Colleen Mirassou and Stephanie Torres. Bring your Tiny Treasurers art work that you worked on all summer !
September 23: Free Art Film: “Yayoi Kusama” Tuesday, 2 pm, in Cribari Conference Room. Kusama is the highest selling living female artist in the world. Free to all Villagers and their guests. ?
November 15: Holiday Faire 2025. Cribari Center. Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm. Now recruiting volunteers. Team Leader: Diane Finley application sent and on website
Register for all Art and Writing Classes at barb.gottesman@gmail.com All art classes are in the Cribari Center Art Room, unless noted otherwise.
August 30 , September 6, 13, and 20. Free Watercolor Open Studio with Doug
Canepa, 10 am -12 pm. Members only.
September 5 and 19; October 3 and 17; November 7 and 21; December 5: Card Making Group with Mandy Book and Sheila Robinson, during Friday Open Studio. See details on our website www.villagesartsandcrafts.org
September 19 and 20: “Acrylic and Charcoal Multi Media with Figure” with Sandra Jones. Friday and Saturday, 1 – 3:30 pm. $75. All materials furnished. Members only.
October 2: “Collaging a Pumpkin” with Stephanie Torres. Thursday evening 6 pm in the Art Room. $25. Members only.
5 x 5 left overs invite Halloween scene bring to michaels next meeting – michaels group judge take home October 6h and get judged and win a prize judges Michael Parthenia and colleen judges. Halloween wreath - prize
4d. Historian: Parthenia Hicks. Get a new binder yes make it clear things have changed many items on line so submit articles
4e. Exhibits and Programs Coordinator: Michael Sunzeri.
Next solo exhibit is: October 14 BD Hong – water colors 1 pm
Next member meeting: October 6 – with demo Nicole alexander – expressive art colorful and spiritual
4f. New Members Greeter: Colleen Mirassou (update/help needed?)
New member reception: Sept 15 doug demonstrate at new resident orientation
4g. Events: Diane Finley Holiday Faire: November 15 Need a team. I'm going to volunteer not sure how but will – and bake -
5. Next General Meeting and Demo is: Monday October 6, 2025, 1:45-3:00 pm in Cribari Conference Room.
6. Next Advisory Board Meeting: Sept. 25 at 4 pm in the Art Room.
Meeting of August 28, 2025 Adjourned at ___5:20____ by Vice President Claudia Welch.
For your review
--
Stephanie Torres
Nana's FineThingz
805-705-2609
VACA Advisory Board Meeting - MINUTES
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4 PM - 5 PM, Art Room
President: Mandy Book – Called meeting to order at:
Board Members Roll call:
Mandy Book – President Present Absent
Claudia Welch – Vice President Present Absent
Suzanne Ferris – Treasurer Present Absent
Stephanie Torres – Secretary Present Absent
Diane Finley – Ceramics Room Present Absent
Barbara Gottesman – Art Class Coordinator and Web Master Present Absent
Michael Sunzeri – Programs/Exhibits Present Absent
Colleen Mirassou – New Members Greeter Present Absent
Parthenia Hicks – Historian Present Absent
Marion Rose – Art Films Present Absent
1. REPORTING:
Secretary: Stephanie Torres - Approval of May. 29, 2025 minutes (h)
Approval motion made by _________; seconded by ________
Approval vote – Ayes ______ Nays _____ Report approved ________Not approved ______
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treasurer: Suzanne Ferris
Total fund balance 1/1/25: $17,271.54 (Bank balance)
For the months June to July 31, 2025:
Total income was $ June = $0, July = $297.00, Total $297.00
Expenses were $ June = $117.91, July = $156.08, Total $273.99
Net income (loss) was $ 23.01 `
YTD 2025 Financial Report:
Total fund balance 1/1/2025 $17,271.54
Total income YTD 2025 is $ 5,256.30
Total expenses YTD 2025 are $ 5,451.05
Ending fund balance on 7/31/25 is $ $17,076.79
Approval motion made by _________; seconded by _______________
Approval vote – Ayes ______ Nays _____ Report approved ________Not approved ______
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice President, Membership: Claudia Welch – Membership update __ new members for May 29 to July 31.
Membership is: ___ on July 31, 2025. Link to Member List h
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. OLD BUSINESS
2a. Monthly membership meeting - more art/activities interspersed with demos? Giveaway at meeting?
2b. Insurance issues - next steps?
First class we pay instructor, then require insurance if class continues/repeats?
Outside instructors invite from their classes/general public/non-members? (space to teach in exchange for cost to insure)
LLC? We pay instructors and then insure them?
2c. Flea Market debrief - Every other year, unframed art sale, longer time, non-member, outside sellers
2d. Tiny Treasures update (Barbara)
3. NEW BUSINESS
3a. Election committee for President and Vice President
3b. Monthly financial reports (Barbara/Suzanne) Barbara motioned that the Treasurer continue Kathy's reporting by giving us a monthly line item financial report. Second: Michael Sunzeri. ___8 Approved. ___0 not approved. Motion approved.
3c. Master Calendar - August 30 submission (distribute 2025 duplicates for changes)
All members need MEMBER NUMBER not house number
3d. Board meeting Aug. 28 - sub/cancel/reschedule
3e. Update on Home Studio Tour - August 16 (Diane)
3f. Article in Evergreen LifeStyle
4. STATUS UPDATE/PROGRAMS, CLASSES AND EVENTS
See updated VACA schedule at:
4a. Art Films: Marion Rose
Next event is: September 23, 2025
4b. Ceramics: Diane Finley - Beginning Classes and Workshops continuing through May.
4c. Art Classes Coordinator: Barbara Gottesman, All classes register with Barbara: barb.gottesman@gmail.com
Open Studios:
Monday and Friday mornings: 10 am – 12 noon with Taf Tafarrodi.
Monday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Michael Sunzeri
Tuesday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Hyon Smith
Wednesday and Friday afternoons : 2- 5 pm with Swati Mohari
Thursday afternoon: 2 – 5 pm with Stephanie Torres
Upcoming classes and events in the Art Room:
August 1, August 8, August 15 and August 20: “Art Journal Time with Pat Remington. Fridays, 12:50 pm – 3:30 pm in the Art Room. Journaling and a new art technique each session. All materials furnished. Any 4 classes = $50. Members only.
August 5 -26: “Dreaming into Writing” with Parthenia Hicks. Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 1 pm. $85. (Room fees to VACA if opened to all participants.)
August 6 - 20: “Polishing the Heart: A Workshop for Writers Seeking Feedback” with Parthenia Hicks. Wednesday evenings, 6 pm - 8 :30 pm. $125. Limited to 4 participants - members only.
August 7 - 28: “Acrylics” with Swati Mohari. Thursdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. $100 if all materials furnished. $70 if you bring your own.
August 27, September 3, 10 and 17: “Watercolor plus Multi Media” with Doug Canepa. Wednesdays, 10 am - 12 noon. $70 with 4 free watercolor Open Studios with Doug on Saturdays, August 30, September 6, 13, and 20.
September 19 and 20: “Acrylic and Charcoal Multi Media with a Figure” with Sandra Jones. Friday and Saturday, 1 pm - 3:30 pm. $75.
4d. Historian: Parthenia Hicks.
4e. Exhibits and Programs Coordinator: Michael Sunzeri.
Next solo exhibit is: October 14
Next member meeting: October 6
4f. New Members Greeter: Colleen Mirassou
New member reception: Sept 15
4g. Events: Home Studio Tour - August 16, New Member Reception - September 15
5. Next General Meeting and Demo is: Monday October 6, 2025, 1:45-3:00 pm in Cribari Conference Room.
6. Next Advisory Board Meeting: Aug. 28 at 4 pm in the Art Room.
Meeting of July 31, 2025 Adjourned at _______ by President Mandy Book.
