The most significant topic of the meeting was the planning of the Christmas party scheduled for December 11th. The council members discussed changing the catering arrangement from Tuckers to include a variety of local restaurants. The proposal was driven by a desire to provide a cost-effective, enjoyable experience for senior attendees.

Entertainment for the Christmas party also garnered attention. The high school chorus was proposed as a source of entertainment, as they were available on the event date. The chorus has previously contributed to events by singing carols and engaging attendees, offering a lively yet economical alternative to hiring a band. There was also a discussion about applying for grants to cover entertainment expenses.

The Thanksgiving dinner, another upcoming event, was briefly addressed. It was confirmed that the dinner would take place at a local church’s meeting house. The inclusion of contact information for attendees in the newsletter was discussed to ensure accurate headcounts. The event will provide meal delivery to homebound seniors and offer in-person dining options.

Financial matters were another focal point of the meeting, with reports indicating that the council had only recently received necessary budget documents from the accounting department. As the new fiscal year began in July, efforts were underway to update financial records using an Excel spreadsheet to clarify the current financial situation. Additionally, the potential use of the Sarah Delette Grant for purchases such as cabinets was confirmed.

The meeting also touched on ongoing classes and participation levels. A decrease in attendance for Tai Chi classes was noted, prompting discussions about renegotiating the instructor’s fee based on actual turnout or considering alternative instructors. In contrast, aerobics classes saw increased participation, leading to overcrowding. To address this, classes were moved to the auditorium, providing more space and enhancing the experience for attendees.

The influx of visitors to the senior center from neighboring areas like Westfield was highlighted, with attendees expressing satisfaction with the welcoming atmosphere.

Discussions on the center’s facilities included updates on pickleball courts, with plans to commence work soon. Upgrades such as LED lighting were already completed to improve visibility. A shuffleboard court was also mentioned as a future addition.

Administrative matters were briefly reviewed, with elections for council positions postponed until the next spring due to previous changes and reappointments confirmed by the Select Board.

Lastly, the council discussed preparations for winter storm bag distribution for homebound residents. An idea to locate popular name tags used in previous Christmas parties was also proposed, highlighting the council’s attention to detail in event planning.