Atherton approves $2,800 to support senior task force workshop focused on memory-health and aging in place

The Atherton Town Council approved funding of $2,800 at its Dec. 17 meeting to support a Senior Task Force workshop planned for March 21, focused on memory-health topics and aging-in-place strategies. Task force presenters summarized a Sept. 27 workshop that drew about 100 attendees (approximately 65 Atherton residents) and noted high virtual participation.

Task force members asked the town to cover $2,000 for postcard mailings to Atherton residents and estimated $800 for refreshments (coffee and pastries) for up to 100 attendees. They said they would cover speaker and coffee costs when possible and that unused funds would not be spent. The task force also mentioned plans to partner with neighboring towns (Woodside and Portola Valley) and the potential for a follow-up event if demand warrants; a second event would add an estimated $800 in refreshment costs, bringing the two-event total to $3,600.

Council members asked whether the task force should consider becoming a 501(c)(3) to facilitate fundraising and whether the town should consider incorporating task force requests into budget planning; staff and council advised bringing detailed plans and cost breakdowns into the budget process. Council member Bill moved funding approval and the council voted to provide $2,800 to be managed by the town; the clerk and staff will control expenditures and reconcile actual costs against the approved amount.

Task force organizers also outlined operational needs: volunteer recruitment, building a contact database for targeted outreach to roughly 1,750 seniors estimated to live in Atherton, and potential support for technology to expand virtual attendance.

Next steps: The task force will plan the March workshop in coordination with town staff; if a second event is needed the task force would request additional funding later.