A key highlight of the meeting was the committee’s enthusiasm for organizing a trivia night, an event aimed at engaging residents in a lively and educational environment. The committee members discussed various themes for the trivia rounds, with particular interest in incorporating library-related questions to celebrate the anticipated opening of the new local library. This trivia event is seen as an opportunity to bring together different age groups, with discussions about tailoring the event for both children and adults at separate times. The Shutesbury Athletic Club emerged as a potential venue, with members suggesting that February would be an ideal month to host the event, avoiding the busy holiday season and providing a welcome distraction during the winter months. A member with bartending experience at previous trivia nights expressed willingness to assist in planning.

In addition to the trivia night, the committee focused on a geology event scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. This event will feature three geologists, including Al Werner, a local resident known for his expertise in glacial erratics. The event will offer participants a chance to explore local geological features, with a waiver required to ensure the committee is not liable for any accidents. The committee voted to adjust the honorarium for the geologists, increasing it to $300 to provide $100 for each presenter.

Another discussion revolved around the potential purchase of snowshoes, aimed at encouraging outdoor activities during the winter months. The committee considered various vendors, highlighting Sierra Trading Post as a source for budget-friendly options. Members deliberated on the number of snowshoe sets to purchase, with a consensus to start with three pairs, prioritizing children’s sizes. The library was proposed as a storage location, allowing the snowshoes to be part of the Library of Things for public checkout. A motion to allocate up to $500 for the purchase received unanimous support.

The meeting also covered plans for monthly community hikes, with a schedule that includes trails such as the Houston Gage Trail and the Brushy Mountain Trail. The first hike is set for Sunday, November 2nd, with future hikes planned for December and New Year’s Day. Safety during hiking was a topic of concern, particularly during hunting season, prompting the decision to schedule hikes on Sundays when hunting is prohibited. The committee discussed promotional strategies for the hikes, considering town communications and school newsletters, while ensuring compliance with open meeting laws.

Moreover, the committee addressed the organization of a stitching group, which had met twice since the start of the current stitching year. A suggestion to create a collaborative piece for the new library was met with lukewarm enthusiasm, as members preferred focusing on personal projects. The committee recognized the need for leadership and coordination to advance this initiative.