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Hubbardston senior-center friends group reviews finances, schedules renovations and community events
Summary
At a regular meeting of the Friends supporting the Hubbardston senior center, members discussed reconciling town accounts by a July 15 deadline, reviewed current grant and donation balances, approved routine reports, and set dates for a yard sale, a celebration of life and a September barbecue while noting volunteer shortfalls for larger events.
The Friends supporting the Hubbardston senior center discussed financial reconciling, building repairs and upcoming community events during their meeting on Wednesday, with volunteers tasked to follow up on town account balances and event logistics.
Board officers agreed to reconcile the group's town accounts with the town accountant by a July 15 deadline and noted a planned building improvement that will require roughly $8,000 for a cabinet and a door. The group also reviewed current account balances: the donation account showed $7,144 and a separate grant/account balance was listed at $6,396 as of May; members said a formula grant from the state is expected later in the year, and figures discussed during the meeting for that grant varied. Officers said they will meet to align the town records and confirm available funds before pursuing renovations or additional purchases.
The meeting recorded acceptance of the minutes and the treasurer's report. A motion to approve the secretary's report for the April meeting was moved and seconded and passed unanimously. The treasurer's report was also moved, seconded and approved unanimously. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that was seconded and carried.
On programing and events, the group set a schedule and volunteer assignments: a yard sale running in the spring/summer season was discussed with volunteers and food plans assigned for weekend shifts; a public celebration of life for member Richard Hackett was scheduled for Aug. 2 with a graveside service followed by a reception at the senior center; and a community barbecue for center members and the public was tentatively set for Wednesday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., with hamburgers, hot dogs and music planned.
Members also discussed building maintenance and day-to-day operations: a phased renovation plan that would remove rugs, paint two rooms and ultimately install tile; adding additional phone lines for reception and offices; and the need to budget for phone service, electrical hookups and multi-line capability. Officers said they will determine whether these costs must come from the center's services-and-supplies budget or be requested from the town in next year's budget.
Volunteers and staffing for events and longstanding activities were a recurring concern. Members reported trouble recruiting younger volunteers for labor-intensive tasks such as preparing fried dough at field day and running large food booths at the annual fair; they discussed options including contracting with food trucks or asking other community groups to take over some dinners and sales. The group also debated reducing the board from nine members back to seven and said they would seek selectmen approval if they decide to change the board size.
The meeting included routine administrative updates: thank-you notes were sent to multiple donors and community partners; outreach volunteers reported contacting homebound members; and the center's July program schedule was reviewed (including a Blue Cross Blue Shield dental information session planned for July 9). The group set a follow-up meeting for the third Wednesday in August and adjourned after routine motions were approved.
Members emphasized that more precise budget decisions and scheduling for renovations depend on reconciling the town account figures and confirming the timing and amount of state and foundation grants.
