A first-of-its-kind event at the San Luis Obispo historic Octagon Barn will bring together SLO Village and the Land Conservancy of SLO County in a celebration of both history and innovation on Tuesday, May 10. Hosted by SLO Village, a vibrant community that works together to create a better experience of aging, “Meet SLO Village at the Octagon Barn” is planned to be a multigenerational community event.
“SLO Village is an extraordinary local organization that connects older adults with each other and with volunteers for everything from educational programs and coffees to help with day-to-day tasks,” said Sally Kruger, SLO Village board member and event organizer. “We are having great success and a great time growing SLO Village, and we just want to tell more people about it. We thought a lovely afternoon at the Octagon Barn would be just the ticket,” Kruger said.
The iconic Octagon Barn, visible to drivers on Highway 101 near south San Luis Obispo, is a rare landmark unique to San Luis Obispo County. The barn was built near the turn of the 20th century and was on the verge of collapse in 1997 when the Land Conservancy of SLO County stepped in to lead a community revitalization effort that saved it. Restoration of the Octagon Barn is now complete, and the grounds are open for events and to visitors on a limited basis.
SLO Village has planned an afternoon that includes a light lunch and short presentations by both SLO Village and the Land Conservancy. “We think both of our organizations are local treasures,” said Kruger, “and we are joining forces to help tell each other’s stories.” She encouraged attendance at the informal event from people of all ages.
“Meet SLO Village at the Octagon Barn” is slated to run from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10. The event is free, but space is limited, and advance reservations are required. Additional information and registration are available on the SLO Village website, www.slovillage.org. “Meet SLO Village at the Octagon Barn” is being supported by a grant from the City of SLO’s Promotional Coordinating Committee.
SLO Village is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 by a group of active older adults who wanted their retirement years on the Central Coast to be engaging and purposeful. It currently serves members in San Luis Obispo County. Information about SLO Village is available on the group’s website at www.slovillage.org or by calling the office at (805) 242-6440.