The Stow City Senior Commission agreed to a short-term outreach push to connect residents 55 and older with the newly expanded senior center and its services. Commissioners split into two working groups to design a postcard mailing, an open-house (or reception) and follow-up systems that will include multiple contact methods for seniors who lack internet access.

The outreach plan centers on a targeted direct-mail campaign and an in-person welcome event. Speaker 6 told the commission the marketing vendor the city uses can send bulk mail targeted to households aged 55 and older at an estimated cost of about $5,500 per mailing, including postage. "We can pinpoint 55 and over or whatever you want to do," Speaker 6 said, urging use of postcards and suggested content such as RSVP details and a clear phone number or text option for those without internet.

Commissioners said the welcome event should be a warm, low-pressure introduction to the center. "Maybe we call it an open house or a reception — make it a standing thing the first Monday of the month," Speaker 4 said, proposing that volunteers serve as greeters and small-group mentors. Speakers emphasized RSVP options for different abilities: phone, text, email or in-person sign-up, and suggested producing a small, printable fridge card with local senior resources.

The group also discussed follow-up and membership logistics. Speaker 4 said the $5 annual membership fee helps with waivers and mailing the center newsletter; the fee remains in place for the coming year. Commissioners proposed that new members receive a welcome call or message with a short orientation and volunteer mentors assigned to help them connect with activities.

Next steps: the commission formed two working groups—Roger, Drew and Donna in Group A, and Rob, Audrey and Norma in Group B—to draft postcard copy, an event timeline and volunteer rosters. Staff (Kathy) will support the groups and integrate the outreach into the department newsletter. A reception in February was discussed as a target date, with the full commission continuing planning before its next regular meeting.

The commission did not record a formal vote on the outreach plan; members agreed on the approach and assigned follow-up tasks to the working groups.