LaPalma-Cerritos AAUW Past-Administrator, Treasurer and Secretary
La Palma-Cerritos AAUW
Board Meeting Minutes
January 7, 2026
- Call to Order
Administrator Celia Spitzer called the meeting to order at her home at 2:50 pm.
Attendance: Marilyn Forsstrom, Celia Spitzer, Chris Taxier
- The Minutes for the September 4, 2025 Board Meeting were distributed and read.
Marilyn moved that the minutes be approved, and Celia seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.
- The Treasurer’s Reports dated December 31, 2025 were accepted as submitted.
Branch Account $6,869.54
Fund Account $1,357.38
Marilyn pointed out two new categories in the Fund Account: Education Security Fund (with $100) and Education & Training Fund (with $2,000).
- Program
January 15 General Meeting – facilitated by Celia. Speakers from the ABC Unified School District Information Technology department will provide information about the steps ABCUSD is taking to ensure that its students know how to safely use AI (Artificial Intelligence), including what is being done to educate all who come into contact with the students. During the business meeting, Celia will ask any past branch presidents who are present to stand up to encourage those present, who have not already done so, to volunteer to lead the branch as its administrator for the 2026-27 year. She will emphasize that if no one does so by June 30, our branch will cease to exist.
February Fund Luncheon – facilitated by Chris and Marilyn. It will be on Friday, February 20, at the Panda Inn, La Palma, starting at noon with lunch served at 12:30 pm. There will be a choice of a variety of menu items costing nearly the same amount. With tax and tip, plus a donation to Fund, it was decided to charge either $30 or $35, to be determined by the January meeting. Money beyond the actual cost will be donated to Fund. If attendees wish to donate more, they may.
We discussed the possibility of obtaining a speaker for the Fund Luncheon if we are able to do so. Chris will try to locate the recipient of a Career Development Grant to which our branch had contributed in 2023-24. Because she had attended UC Irvine, she may live close enough to be able to come to speak at the luncheon. Chris agreed to make the inquiries and find out if she is available.
March General Meeting – facilitated by Chris. The program will focus on Women’s History Month. It will be similar to the 2025 March meeting featuring presentations about Women in History but Not in the History Books.
April General Meeting – facilitated by Thea Siegel. The program will be a Games Night. There also will be our branch annual meeting which includes election of officers. Chris and Marilyn already have volunteered to continue as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, for the next year. We still need someone for Administrator.
May General Meeting – facilitated by Joan Pylman. Joan will introduce and talk about the Cerritos College recipients of the branch Academic Achievement Awards.
June Planning Meeting – This is contingent upon having a volunteer to serve as branch Administrator for the 2026-27 year.
- Celia reported that Harriet Moses has volunteered to oversee the sign-in table at general meetings for the rest of the year.
- There was a discussion about the future of the branch if no on volunteers to fill the Administrator’s position for the 2026-27 year, including what to do with the money in the branch general account.
- Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Taxier, Secretary
Note: These minutes have not yet been approved.
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La Palma-Cerritos AAUW
General Meeting Minutes
January 15, 2026
- Call to Order
Administrator Celia Spitzer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the auditorium of the ABC Unified School District Adult School Cabrillo Lane site.
Attendance: 18 (including 2 speakers and 1 guest)
Starting at 6:30 pm, attendees had social time.
- Minutes for the November 20 General Meeting were passed around on a clipboard, and three signatures were obtained to approve them.
- Treasurer’s Reports dated December 31, 2025 were accepted as submitted.
Branch Account $6,869.54
Fund Account $1,357.38
- Program – Celia introduced the speakers Mike Lawrence, Director of Information and Technology, and Chad Laines, IT Program Specialist, of ABC Unified School District. Their topic was AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how the district is ensuring its safe use by students. They described the difference between AI and Generative AI and how the district uses guidelines and guardrails to provide safety, teach skills, and promote success in the district’s schools programs.
- AAUW National’s Request – Celia read the AAUW National’s request for each state AAUW to send an AAUW-CA sign-on letter to our U.S. Senators. The letter urges our Senators to provide immediate Congressional oversight and to block the Administration’s unlawful transfer of the Department of Education’s roles, responsibilities and funds to other federal agencies through interagency agreements. Celia asked for the members to support this letter. There was unanimous agreement.
- Administrator for next year -Celia asked former branch presidents to stand and pointed out the leadership and service that that they have already provided over the years. Then Celia addressed the members about the future of this branch and its need for a new volunteer to serve as Administrator in the next year. She explained the simplicity of the role of Administrator in merely receiving emails from National and AAUW-CA.
- Facilitators do most of the work for the programs during the year.
- Nominating Committee – Celia stated that Chris and Marilyn have already volunteered to continue as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, for the next year. She asked for two volunteers to serve on the nominating committee to contact members to find a nominee for Administrator for next year. Otherwise, our branch will cease to exist on June 30, 2026. No one volunteered for the committee.
- Reports
Public Policy – Sondra Cohen reported that there will be a half-day symposium via Zoom as part of the School Board Project on Book Banning. It will take place on Saturday, January 31, from 9am to 12:30 pm. If you can’t attend, it will be recorded and available later.
Tobi Balma added that AAUW-CA has been concerned with some school boards across the country which have banned or tried to ban books. Harriet Moses has been monitoring the Buena Park District, and Celia the ABC USD. There are no issues with either district.
Academic Achievement Awards – Joan Pylman reported that she and Gail Ross have inquired if Cerritos Community College Foundation meetings can be attended online. They will report back in February. Furthermore, February is the deadline for Cerritos College students to turn in their applications for the Awards.
Fund – Gail Ross reported that there will be a fundraiser on February 3 at Lucille’s Barbecue on South Street in Cerritos. It will last all day long. The flyer will be distributed via email soon. Tobi also encouraged members to become part of the Legacy Circle by committing to leave money to AAUW in one’s will.
- Interest Groups
Great Decisions – Dorothy Edwards announced that the first discussion of the year will take place at her house on Wednesday, January 28 at 3pm. The new materials are now available.
- Announcements
Falcon’s Nest – Joan Pylman announced that donations of clothing may be dropped off at her house this weekend.
Fund Luncheon – Marilyn announced that the luncheon will be held at the Panda Inn in La Palma on Friday, February 20, starting at noon. The tickets will cost $30 each which includes a menu item, tax, tip, and a donation to the Fund. If attendees wish to donate more, they may. Marilyn requested that people reply to her if they are planning to attend. Checks are to be made out to La Palma-Cerritos AAUW, with “Fund” being notated on the memo line.
March General Meeting – The March meeting will be held on Thursday, Mary 19 in the auditorium of the ABC Unified School District Adult School Cabrillo Lane site, with social time starting at 6:30 pm and the meeting starting at 7:00 pm. Chris will facilitate the presentation on “Women in History but Not in the History Books.”
January Birthday – Celia wished Tobi Balma a happy birthday.
- Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Taxier, Secretary
Note: These minutes have not yet been approved.
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La Palma-Cerritos AAUW
Planning Meeting
June 19, 2025
- Lunch
At noon, incoming Branch Administrator Celia Spitzer welcomed the many branch members in attendance at the planning meeting for the 2025-26 AAUW year at the Cabrillo Lane ABCUSD Adult School site. She invited everyone to enjoy the lunch of pinwheel sandwiches, various salads, fruit, rolls, cookies and beverages that were coordinated by Chris, Marilyn and Celia. Hospitality Chair Ceci brought the paper goods the like. The meeting began at 12:40 pm.
- Recognition of Harriet Moses
Celia thanked Harriet for serving as our branch Administrator this last year. Then Marilyn Forsstrom announced that, in recognition of Harriet’s service, a donation was made to the fund of Harriet’s choice – Academic Achievement Awards.
- Installation of New Administrator
An acknowledgement was made that Marilyn Forsstrom and Chris Taxier are continuing to serve in their roles as Treasurer and Secretary. Then Celia was asked by Marilyn if she would accept the responsibilities as our new Administrator, and she said that she would.
BRANCH OFFICERS for 2025-2026
Elected Officers
Administrator: Celia Spitzer
Secretary: Chris Taxier
Treasurer: Marilyn Forsstrom
- Distribution of Agenda, Calendar and Folders (with paper for notes)
Celia reviewed the schedule for future board meetings, which will include Administrator, Secretary, Treasurer and the facilitators for the upcoming general meetings. Board meetings will be held the first Thursday of September and probably in January and March.
- Attendance at Planning Meeting (17)
Judi Adams, Edna Ethington, Cathy Niederman, Esther Aronson , Joan Flax, Joan Pylman, Ceci Borja-VanZitter, Marilyn Forsstrom, Gail Ross, Sue Carruthers , Faith Herschle, Celia Spitzer, Sondra Cohen , Diane Merrick, Chris Taxier, Karen Cox, Harriet Moses
Celia commented that of our approximate branch membership of 28, we have more than half of our membership in attendance today.
- Treasurer’s Reports dated June 19, 2025:
General Account: $7,409.05
Academic Awards: $3,780.83
AAUW Fund Account: $998.73
Marilyn pointed out that the Academic Achievement Awards fund appears under the umbrella of the General Account. Aside from the Academic Award monies, the unrestricted balance of the General Account would be $3,628.22.
- Focus, Direction and Big Picture
Celia led a discussion on what we hope to accomplish over this next year and on the future of our branch, including ideas about what to add, discontinue, and keep the same.
One suggestion was to have more interaction with students in a mentoring or support capacity. Reference was made to a past reading program with students at Wittmann Elementary School. Also suggested was tutoring students in math or in foreign languages. It was pointed out that to volunteer our skills in classrooms now requires background checks. Members expressed an interest in these suggestions. Faith Herschler offered to explore this possibility and to write an article for our newsletter on this topic.
Members supported continuing fundraising for the AAUW Fund, specifically with the dine-out events. Members also wanted to continue supporting the Academic Achievement Awards Fund.
Marilyn commented that once the $3,000 that has already been earmarked for two recipients this fall is gone, we will have about $781 left in the Academic Achievements Awards Fund. Joan Pylman commented that we need at least $1,000 to make an award significant for the recipient. Marilyn reminded us that the AAA amount cannot exceed what we give to the AAUW Fund during the year.
Members expressed an interest in continuing support for the Falcon’s Nest at Cerritos Community College. Joan Pylman said that she could be the contact person for this project and would also write an article for our newsletter about it.
Another suggestion was to recruit new members for our branch. We had a discussion about why many of our current members had joined this branch in the past – citing social reasons while raising young children. But currently many young people join organizations for professional reasons. AAUW’s mission is not focused in that direction. However, we could focus on retaining membership, a more practical priority.
In order to make us aware of what’s at stake for our branch, Celia reminded us that we need volunteers for the Administrator position next year in order for our branch to continue. Over the last few years, the responsibilities of leadership have been considerably lightened by changing from having a president to having an administrator. That position has less responsibility.
- Program Ideas – Brainstorming
Although our bylaws require only five meetings, it was decided to plan for seven. September would still be an introductory meeting for the year, including interest group descriptions. If we decide to have a potluck, we would need a location other than the ABC Adult School. If we decide to bring in prepared foods, we could hold the meeting at Cabrillo Lane Adult School. Most attendees stated that either plan was okay.
After brainstorming, attendees selected the ideas that were of most interest to them by using sticker dots. Each person was given 15 sticker dots and could put all on one idea or split them up in any way. There were 17 suggestions. The following is the ranking of the top seven program ideas:
1 – Book Banning and History Erasing
(26 votes) Possibly Jodi Balma as speaker and Faith Herschler as facilitator
2 – Games Night
(20 votes) Thea Siegel as facilitator
3 – Author (or panel of authors) as a meeting, or with Catered Lunch As Fundraiser
(19 votes) Faith Herschler and Karen Cox as facilitators
4 – Tech Trek Alumni Panel
(17 votes) Edna Ethington and Celia Spitzer as facilitators
5 – Safety in the Home (police, fire, …)
(17 votes) Need facilitator
6 – Women’s History Month – lesser known women
(15 votes) ChrisTaxier as facilitator
7 – Artificial Intelligence –related to use in schools
(11 votes) Need facilitator
- Break (10 minutes)
- Discussion of chair roles for 2025-2026
Membership – We need new sign-in sheets and volunteers to welcome guests to the general meeting.
AAUW Fund – Gail Ross will continue to facilitate dine-out fundraisers.
Academic Achievement Awards – Pending fundraising success, Joan Pylman will organize committee selection for recipients of the Awards.
College/University Relations – Tobi Balma
International Relations – OPEN
Public Policy – Sondra Cohen will continue to keep us aware of legislation and public policy issues.
Publicity – Edna Ethington will write informational articles and take pictures for local publications.
Hospitality – Ceci Borja-VanZitter will continue providing refreshments.
Newsletter – Marilyn Forsstrom will continue posting monthly articles from the Administrator, Public Policy Chair, and the program facilitator for the next two months.
Telephone Tree – Sue Carruthers and Patricia McClelland will continue to phone reminders of upcoming meetings and events to those who requested it.
INTEREST GROUPS for 2025-2026
Cover to Cover Thea Siegel
Gourmet Joan Flax
Great Decisions Dorothy Edwards
Readers Theater Esther Aronson (would like more members)
- Honorary Life Members
Current Honorary Life Members are: Sondra Cohen, Mary Ann Quinn, Tobi Balma, Thea Siegel, and Dorothy Edwards. Next year Joan Flax and Celia Spitzer will join the list.
- End of Meeting
Celia thanked everyone for coming and helping to keep our branch alive.
The meeting ended at 3:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Taxier, Secretary