The Douglas County Board of Commissioners held a Community Services meeting on March 4, 2024, focusing on public outreach and community development initiatives. The meeting emphasized the importance of engaging residents in ongoing programs and encouraged them to reach out to their commissioners with questions or concerns.

A key discussion point was the upcoming launch of a new program set to kick off on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2025. Commissioners urged community members to utilize available resources and contacts to get involved early in the process. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of various partners and the hard work of committee members, particularly praising Catherine for her leadership.

Kelly Bello from Jocelyn Castle and Gardens shared an update on their recent $80,000 grant, which has allowed them to transform their carriage house into a community center and café. This development has significantly increased their programming, including art exhibits and concert series, enhancing community engagement. Bello expressed gratitude for the commission's support, noting the positive impact on visitor traffic.

The meeting also featured contributions from other community members, including Matt Stambaugh from Larson Gardens, who acknowledged the ongoing support from Douglas County. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and appreciation for the resources provided to enhance community services.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to fostering community involvement and support for local initiatives, with plans for continued outreach and development in the coming months.