The council’s foremost concern was the production of their newsletter, a critical tool for communicating with the senior population. Members were divided on hiring Dina Plesu, a former manager of the Village Neighbors newsletter, to manage the council’s publication. The proposed cost for Dina’s services was minimal, estimated between $50 and $75, which members considered a bargain compared to hiring a graphic designer. Despite the financial uncertainties due to significant statewide budget cuts, there was a consensus that the newsletter’s completion was essential. One participant emphasized the importance of moving forward with the newsletter, stating, “What we need to do is get it done, get it on the ground.”

The council faced challenges in managing the address list for their newsletters, which currently targets individuals over 55. The list reportedly excludes some eligible households, prompting a proposal to consult Haley, who has shown interest in senior affairs. Additionally, Brandon from the select board was noted as a potential resource for help, given his computer skills. The mailing list’s accuracy was a priority, as one member pointed out the need to distribute the newsletter via email to increase reach.

The content of the newsletter was also a focal point, with expectations for contributions from various individuals, including Sarah, the public health nurse, and Sally Fairfield—though time constraints might limit Sally’s involvement. The council considered using Google Docs for collaborative editing, but concerns about compliance with open meeting laws persisted. A cautious approach was agreed upon, with plans to consult the town administrator for clarity on regulations.

The council also discussed logistical issues, such as updating their email notification system, which currently only reaches about a third of the town’s population. This limitation was seen as an obstacle to effective communication. Despite these hurdles, members agreed to proceed with Dina’s assistance for at least the next two newsletter issues while exploring more sustainable long-term solutions.

In addition to the newsletter, the council addressed the senior lounge’s renovation. Members expressed a need to declutter and improve the space to create a welcoming environment for seniors. The lounge’s current state, with non-essential items and outdated furnishings, was deemed inadequate. A proposal to organize a work party to clean and organize the space was met with enthusiasm, with a tentative clean-up scheduled for November 1st.

The idea of a memory wall in the lounge to honor past Council on Aging contributors was also discussed. However, members agreed that decluttering should take precedence to determine available space for such displays. The goal was to transform the lounge into a comfortable gathering place, with suggestions to discard unnecessary items and reevaluate existing furniture.

Beyond these immediate concerns, the council discussed committee updates, including the hiring of a new police chief and the future of the old library building. While progress was reported on these fronts, uncertainty remained about the composition and selection process for the committees, which included public members for the police hiring committee but less clarity for the library reuse committee.