Council on Aging sets Senior of the Year nomination timeline, votes to proceed with April deadline

At the Feb. 4 Council on Aging meeting the board reviewed last year's Senior of the Year timeline and moved to set the nomination deadline and voting schedule for 2026. A motion to set the nomination deadline for the week of April 24 (with the vote at the May meeting and a June celebration) was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

Members discussed whether to change dates because of school vacation and possible venue constraints; the board agreed they would largely keep the prior timing, adjust by a day if necessary, and use an online nomination form that produces a PDF or spreadsheet for distribution to committee members. A member volunteered to draft a press release and work with Laura on publication; another offered to circulate nomination details across social media and town outlets.

The board recorded the motion and took a voice/roll-call vote; members present supported moving forward to advertise nominations with a deadline in late April and to decide the award at the May meeting. The board also noted practical issues: potential venue availability, new ownership at Fairgrounds (which could affect reservations) and the possibility of continuing the recent practice of hosting an after-hours event to increase attendance.

Next steps: staff will publish the nomination form and press release, members will promote the form through town channels and the board will consider venue availability for the June event before the May vote.