The Town of Hubbardston Cultural Council set its grant-review schedule and stepped up outreach after reporting preliminary survey participation numbers at its Oct. 7 meeting.

Council members reported 38 paper responses collected at a recent field day and six online responses. "So 38 total, 6 of those are electronic," one member said when tabulating results; speakers encouraged additional pushes on Facebook and on-town postings before the survey closes on Oct. 15.

Why it matters: the council uses survey feedback to shape local grant priorities, and a larger applicant pool improves choice during grant awards. The council will accept applications through the state cultural council portal; members said many applications typically arrive just before the deadline.

Outreach and promotion: council communications will include a Facebook boost, posting printed flyers at local businesses (post office, diner, pizza shop and the general store) and use of the town electronic sign where available. Members also discussed cross-posting to the Hubbardston People Facebook group to broaden reach.

Grant-review schedule: the council agreed on three review dates in November to consider applications and prepare acceptance/denial notices. The calendar dates agreed were Nov. 5, Nov. 11 and Nov. 20 (all meetings at 7 p.m.). Members noted the goal of completing reviews before Thanksgiving and that the third date may not be needed if work is finished earlier.

Applications and logistics: as of the Oct. 7 meeting the council had four or five submitted applications and expected additional late submissions; members planned a final promotional push and to divide review work across council members to speed evaluations. The council confirmed the deadline for acceptance letters will be Jan. 16 and the state portal deadline for applications is the same mid-January timeline discussed earlier.

Ending: staff were asked to post and share the survey and application call immediately and to compile applications for council review on the November dates.