Philomath committee schedules June 10 senior feedback session at library

The Philomath Inclusivity Committee announced a senior feedback session set for June 10 at 10 a.m. at the Philomath Community Library to gather local seniors’ priorities, committee member Jane Sherwood said. The event will be an open, informal 'brainstorming' session to identify whether seniors want educational resources, walking or meet‑up events, help with cell phones and fraud prevention, or other services.

Sherwood and Diane Crocker said the committee is coordinating AARP handouts and invitations and plans to provide tea and cookies to keep the first meeting low‑key. Sherwood said high‑school volunteers might help with basic cellphone assistance while professional presenters could address topics such as Medicare enrollment.

Committee members emphasized outreach and accessibility. Zena Allen raised transportation barriers for people with disabilities who rely on late buses and home‑care workers, and Sherwood offered to provide rides to the first meeting to ensure input from people who face mobility challenges. The committee noted the event is intended primarily for seniors (provisionally referenced as ages 55 and older) but said it would not turn people away.

The session will also include slips with a short description that the committee is exploring senior needs, Sherwood said, and paper invitations will be available at the May meeting for members to distribute. The organizers said they do not have a budget for the event beyond refreshments but will seek low‑cost supports and rely on volunteers.

Next steps: the committee will pass out invitations at its May meeting, finalize AARP handouts and assess volunteer help for outreach and transportation. Committee members said they will evaluate whether this becomes a recurring forum after the initial session.

The announcement closed with contact information for volunteers: flowwithpride@gmail.com and the group’s Instagram handle (as circulated by committee staff).