Board reviews July 4 turnout, urges volunteer orientation and clearer sensory‑room signage

Board members reviewed the July 4 event and identified areas for improvement, including volunteer engagement with children in the sensory room and clearer signage to help families find accessible spaces.

Members said the rain affected turnout and that some volunteers who had been assigned to help in the sensory room did not engage with children. One member urged a clearer orientation for volunteers before events: "Next year or anytime we have any volunteers, we need to plan for, hey. Okay. Make sure that we get 2 or 3 volunteers. What are we gonna have them do?" a member said, arguing for explicit role assignments and an on‑site point person to check in with volunteers.

The board discussed adding a larger, permanent sign near the stage so attendees could more easily find the sensory room and suggested pre‑event social media posts and reels showing the room’s features. Members also proposed running a brief orientation for teen volunteers so they understand expectations when working with children with special needs. The board agreed to incorporate these recommendations into planning for next year’s events.