Organizers of the Memory Café presented a program update on Jan. 10, reporting regular meetings at Sherburne Commons and Island Home and incremental growth in attendance since the program began.

Brian Linnane of the Nantucket Community School said Sherburne Commons is the program’s fiscal sponsor and that the cafe meets twice monthly — the second Tuesday at Sherburne and the fourth Thursday at Island Home. Jennifer Costanzo, Memory Café facilitator, described activities that "spark your memory," including music, arts and intergenerational events, and stressed the importance of creating a welcoming, non‑stigmatizing atmosphere to attract participants.

The organizers said the program added the Island Home site in September and now serves approximately 15–16 people per month across the two locations, up from very small numbers earlier. Volunteers, local artists and musicians assist with programming. Rachel Mandel of Sherburne Commons said the cafés also attract passersby and visitors to events even if those individuals do not log as formal attendees.

Committee members encouraged broader marketing and outreach — suggestions included regular placement in community newsletters, Meals on Wheels outreach, and using local media partners or Nantucket Community Television to provide virtual access for homebound caregivers. Organizers said they will expand outreach, provide flyers to the island newsletter and explore recording or streaming select sessions to reach people who cannot attend in person.

The committee did not take action at the meeting; members said they value the social and therapeutic benefits described and will factor the program into funding deliberations.