0:00The most notable development discussed was the initiation of a new hearing clinic. Building on the success of a foot clinic established a year ago, the hearing clinic provides hearing tests and checks, as well as cleaning hearing aids free of charge. An audiologist staffs the clinic, and there is potential for assistance with acquiring hearing aids. The initiative has already seen substantial interest, with appointments filling up quickly. Only one slot remained open at the time of the meeting. The council plans to evaluate the frequency of the clinic based on ongoing demand.

Another health-focused endeavor is the “Coffee with the Cop” event, designed to enhance relationships between community members and police officers. This initiative aims to foster an environment where residents feel comfortable and secure reaching out to emergency services. Such efforts are part of broader community safety discussions, which include familiarizing children with emergency personnel to reduce anxiety during emergencies.

Community engagement took center stage with upcoming events like the “Traveling Chef” event and a pasta-making class scheduled for February. The Traveling Chef event, slated for January 22, is expected to draw a substantial turnout of 45-50 attendees, underscoring its popularity. Meals will also be available for takeout, catering to those unable to attend in person. This initiative not only provides a culinary experience but also promotes social interaction and community bonding.

Following the Traveling Chef event, the council plans to host a Lincoln assassination program, aimed at attracting attendees already present for the meal. The initiative is intended to increase participation in educational programs, with the presenter reputed for engaging discussions at similar councils on aging.

Discussions also touched on the importance of historic preservation in Newbury. Members reminisced about past celebrations, such as the 350th anniversary, and expressed concerns about threats to historic sites. There was a suggestion to involve a local speaker in the historic district discussions, emphasizing the need for community engagement and education. The conversation highlighted challenges in mobilizing community support for these efforts and the necessity of attracting diverse residents to recognize the value of maintaining historical sites.

15:04On the communication front, the meeting addressed the need for improved outreach strategies. A member suggested the council’s current hard copy newsletter, distributed every 60 days, was insufficient for keeping the community informed. There was a call for increased electronic communication to reach a broader audience, particularly newer community members who might be unaware of the council’s functions. To tackle these challenges, a proposal was made to form an ad hoc committee dedicated to improving communication efforts, with members expressing enthusiasm to contribute.

The council also discussed the visibility of the Veterans Services Officer (VSO) and the need for outreach to younger veterans. It was noted that many veterans might be unaware of available resources due to insufficient outreach efforts. The VSO’s methods of communication, including direct emails, were mentioned, but there was an emphasis on the importance of personal connections. Suggestions included better communication strategies to inform veterans of available support.

In addition to these discussions, the council addressed conflict of interest training requirements, with a reminder for members to complete their training by February 7. This requirement, mandated by the Massachusetts conflict of interest training department, applies across various public boards, though members do not need to repeat the training for each board they serve on.