Minutes, Feb 16, 2025

Start: 11:45am  

Attendees, Yair, Dennis, Phyllis, Lisa, Karen, Judi P., and Kenneth G.  

Website design change Kenneth and Phyllis explained the changes, mostly cosmetic, to the current website. 

Action: Kenneth will send a link with examples of current changes to the Board for discussion and decisions. 

Teacher Council Report Karen presented the following information:  

1. Scholarship request for Jon Aaron retreat received and granted of 50% of cost. Scholarship funds still available. 
2. Buddhist Insight Network SM members attended meeting which was to determine interest in establishing a midwest chapter. Some SM members will attend next meeting to build relationship.  
3. Silence and Practice on Sunday. Agreement reached to have silence in sitting room before and during break. Quiet chatting in lobby before meditation starts is ok.  
4. Jon Aron retreat update Rooms increase from 40 to 50 and registration full with waiting list. 
5. Back to Our Sense retreat update (1/25/25 at Turner) 12 plus 3 teachers present.
6. Dharma Talk changes. Dharma talk will continue on second Sunday of the month with 30 minute sitting, break, 10-15 dharma talk, discussion of talk. Each teacher will have discretion of talk and format and consider suggestions from sangha. TC will evaluate after 6 months and plan next steps. 
7. Dorothyann’s book and DVD review from David’s library can continue on website. 

Action: Determine how to manage future retreat account and retreat scholarship account. 

Treasurer Report Dennis presented past and current quarter reports, introduced new category for money waiting to be paid for retreat, and in general the accounting for the retreat. Other details of the accounts described. Budget is headed in the right direction for paying operating expenses. 

Scheduling Lisa continues with scheduling weekly volunteers for Bell Ringer, Room Set up and tech/zoom setup. 

A suggestion was made to approach the Teacher Council regarding applying practice to current difficult national and world situations. 

Next meeting: April 6, 2025 12:00pm  

Adjourned: 1:20pm