The focus of the meeting initially centered on a dialogue with Sarah Fisk, who proposed several health-related programs in conjunction with the Council on Aging. The proposed summer safety series and fall health and wellness fair and clinic are designed to provide valuable information and services to the community. The fair could cover a variety of topics as suggested by council members, including high blood pressure, healthy eating, high blood sugar, stroke signs, and a “mol pulst” education, which is likely to be a misspelling or a shorthand for a specific medical education topic.

Additionally, Fisk’s initiative to collect local recipes could serve as a means to celebrate community heritage and promote healthy eating habits. To address the digital divide and enhance technological proficiency among residents, the council considered organizing a technology workshop. Despite the enthusiasm for empowering residents with tech skills, concerns about adhering to HIPAA regulations and the differences among various portals were brought up. The possibility of leveraging local tech-savvy individuals for assistance, such as the Leverett Fire Department chief, was also discussed.

The council deliberated on arranging a meet and greet event for Fisk. This would allow for a mutual introduction between Fisk and the Shutesbury community, potentially in conjunction with another local event.

The financial aspect of the council’s operation was another significant topic of discussion. During a financial update, the ending balance as of May was reported, along with anticipated expenses and the presence of unbudgeted money. The proposition to purchase Musepasses for attractions like Magic Wings and Mass MoCA sparked a debate among members. While some supported the purchase, others questioned the practicality regarding the number of uses and the overall benefit to the council’s funds.

In an effort to improve broadband connectivity, the council pondered sending out postcards to collect email addresses from residents. However, concerns about the effectiveness and potential wastage of resources if the response rate was low were raised.

The Foot Care by Nurses program brought forth a issue regarding the inclusion of non-residents, specifically a request from an individual from New Salem. The council debated the implications of allowing non-residents access to the service, with considerations about payment structures and fairness to the local populace.

The state of the meeting room prompted disappointment among some members. There was a consensus that improvements were needed, which led to the decision to draft a letter to the select board requesting enhancements to the space. Another letter was planned to address transportation issues, highlighting the council’s attention to improving infrastructure and access for the aging population.