One of the most discussions revolved around the Council’s collaboration with the veterans’ service officer, Steve. Steve has begun hosting a half-hour informal social gathering prior to his official office hours at the Council on Aging. This initiative is designed to create a welcoming environment for veterans, enabling them to connect with one another and access services more comfortably. The gatherings have been well-received, with council members noting their first-time interactions with veterans from the community. The meetings included light-hearted moments, such as a humorous exchange about simplifying the type of donuts provided.

In addition to veteran outreach, the council announced several upcoming community events. A new newsletter will inform residents of various activities, including a traveling chef event scheduled for October 7, and watercolor classes with limited enrollment led by Peggy Poppy. The Council is also excited about the free balance screenings offered by the Gordon College Center for Balance, as well as a tech class designed to teach basic iPhone and iPad skills.

A notable highlight on the calendar is the “Know Your Community Fair” set for October 15. The fair will feature various vendors, including local health services and law enforcement, and will provide flu shots in both high-dose and regular doses. The event aims to connect community members with local resources and services in a single, accessible venue.

Ceramics classes will continue to be a part of the Council’s offerings, with the next session on October 17 focusing on crafting a ceramic acorn luminary. Game night, a regular favorite, will skip its November schedule due to conflicting commitments but is expected to return in the future.

The meeting also covered community engagement through member participation, with reports of council members attending local events such as game nights and recruitment activities at a local farm. These efforts have been bolstered by increased publicity through emails and flyers, leading to greater member involvement and volunteer contributions to Council activities.