A central topic was a complaint regarding the violation of the open meeting law, which stemmed from a meeting not being officially posted. Nicole Parker had referred this complaint to the town attorney for resolution. To prevent similar issues, a new process was instituted. Lisa would manage meeting notices, sending agendas with a posting stamp to all members via email. This would enable members to confirm that meetings were properly announced. The June meeting minutes required re-approval due to the posting oversight, and any motions approved during that meeting would need revisiting.

In the realm of new business, the pending status of the pickleball courts was a point of discussion. The nets were in position, but the basketball court installation was pending. There was interest in organizing a grand opening with the select board, the Community Preservation Committee, and the council. Access to the pickleball courts was currently restricted; one member mentioned encountering a lock. This precaution aimed to ensure proper maintenance and avoid premature use before the official opening.

The council introduced Juliana as the new dining room coordinator. Members were optimistic about her capabilities, especially her proficiency with computer systems, which could boost operational efficiency. Juliana’s training would include CPR, AED, and choking response, and first aid supplies had been made more accessible in the dining room.

Further discussions included potential new games for winter activities to keep participants engaged during colder months. “Jazz Mitten,” a game involving a paddle and ball, was mentioned as an indoor alternative similar to pickleball. A golf-related activity using velcro balls was also proposed to encourage mobility and enjoyment. A recent cardio class saw 17 participants. The “brown bag” program participation had increased, though there were concerns about tracking attendees, including a case of a participant who had passed away without notification. This highlighted the need for better communication regarding participant status, as the process for removing names after inactivity was unclear, causing some dissatisfaction.

The council also discussed scheduling an event on Veterans Day, initially set for a Tuesday. The event would be moved to the preceding Monday to accommodate attendees. A participant planned to inquire about the names on the event list and the process for removing individuals. There was mention of a former staff member who had not been attending and whether she still required supplies, with plans to gather more information later.

The dining room’s attendance varied with activities, ranging from four to ten participants, with a notable increase to 41 during a recent event featuring live music. Financially, the center had utilized initial grant funds for renovations and equipment purchases. Optimism was expressed about upcoming grants, allowing future funding to focus on entertainment and engaging activities for seniors.

The gym’s completion was anticipated, with plans to purchase additional equipment like a treadmill and hand weights. With major purchases nearing completion, future funds could be directed towards entertainment and presentations, which had been well-received. Past presentations, such as a nutrition talk, had garnered positive feedback, with plans for a hydration presentation at the end of August. Maintaining a diverse range of programming to avoid repetition while providing valuable content was acknowledged as a challenge.

Under old business, updates were provided on outdoor dining areas, including a fire pit approved by the fire chief, with plans to secure a gas fire pit. The gym was nearing completion, with a treadmill expected soon. Discussion shifted to the master plan and evaluating action items for the Council on Aging. The 2040 board had developed a framework for scoring the completion of tasks. Ensuring proper updates to the evaluation document was noted as necessary. A participant praised the effective use of available space within the center, which had garnered positive feedback. Membership reportedly increased, with newsletters now reaching nearly 1,000 individuals, attributed to outreach efforts targeting seniors, particularly those in their 60s and 70s.