September 2025 Minutes

President’s Council of Retired Employees
Friday 5 September 2025 at 8:15 am
Foster Board Room, 3rd Floor, Buchanan Alumni House

Members: Louis Bassano, Michael Eckardt, Cindy Eves-Thomas (Website editor), Richard Judd (Secretary), Jennifer Perry, Thomas Sandford (Chair), Althea Tibbetts. Ex Officio Members: Taylor Defa, Sarah McPartland-Good,

Approval of 6 June 2025 Minutes: Louis moved approval; Althea seconded. Approved.

Hikel Award: The Council discussed moving the date for sending out the request for Hikel nominations from the present date, December 1, to November 1 in order to encourage more nominees (assuming that the email lists are ready by then). The deadline for submitting a nomination would then be no later than Monday, Nov 24 (the Monday of Thanksgiving week). Taylor and Sarah considered this possible using the same text for the announcement as in the past. The email is sent to all current employees. The Council discussed expanding the criteria for nomination, but the definition of the award seems as inclusive as is possible. The volunteer must have been in service at the university for 10 years, be over the age of 55, be retired for three or more years (generally), and be a volunteer at the university. The Council discussed ways of locating retirees currently serving on university committees. Volunteers working on the bog walk or with the Athletic department were discussed. The Council requested that the call for nominations be sent to retirees (those with email addresses) as well as to current employees. The Hikel Committee will be Mike and Louis with another to be added for review of nominations.

Silver Tracks Newsletter: The Council discussed sending out the Newsletter in January or February. If this is done, we would have to follow up with information on the Homecoming in a postcard at a later date. Could the Newsletter be emailed instead of mailed? The Homecoming survey cards indicate that a majority of respondents were in favor of an email newsletter, but around 400 retirees do not have email addresses. The Council decided to send electronic copies to those with email addresses and hard copy by regular mail to the rest. Monique Hashey from the Foundation would like to meet with the committee in the fall. Vendors have inquired about the Newsletter. The Council discussed retiree opportunities for volunteer service. Cindy will send links to websites on volunteer service for information we could include in the Newsletter.

Retiree Homecoming: The Homecoming will be Thursday, June 4. The Council discussed potential speakers. Suggestions included someone to discuss the federal funding situation at the university; someone representing the Durgan Center on Aging; or David Hart from the Center for Sustainability Solutions or someone else from the Center. Mike will ask David if he would be willing to speak. The Page Farm would like to be included among the tours. The Council discussed the bog board walk as a tour option. The Tick Lab was popular and might be offered again. Perhaps also we could include the 3D printed house, and ask Kate Garland or someone else from Extension to guide a tour of the Littlefield Gardens.

Climate Experiences: Three accounts of experiencing climate change are on the website. PCRE members are welcome to add their experience.

Retiree Interviews: Since the interviews were recorded on cell phones, it is difficult to edit them.

Retiree Outing: Council discussed an excursion on Moosehead Lake on Oct 12, possibly with lunch at Kelly Landing. Tom will work on this.

Other Initiatives: Louis talked with Andrea Gifford, the Dean of Students at Orono, and learned that beginning in January 2026 all retirees will have free membership at the Gym, including those without the Silver Sneakers plan. Family members will be eligible for significant discounts on membership. If there is sufficient interest among retirees living outside the Orono area, Andrea will look into obtaining memberships at recreation centers on other campuses. This will be announced in the Newsletter. Cindy needs a head shot from Jen, and will ask for stats on the use of our website.

Adjourn: Louis moved adjourn; vote was unanimous.