With more than a month of programs and events under their belts, and more programs on tap (see separate article), the organizers of The Andover Hub have taken new steps to provide the heat and light needed to keep Andover’s old town hall “open for business” during the winter months.

Reversing an initial decision to close up for the winter in order to conserve funds, Hub organizers have begun a two-pronged outreach effort to bring new events, programs and services to Andover-area residents on a year-round basis.

First, there’s the campaign to raise funds to pay for the needed heat and electricity; and second, there’s a project under way to hold conversations with a variety of local organizations that might consider making use of Hub facilities between now and May. Those facilities include several small office spaces, a conference room, a sizeable second-floor storage area, and a large room that could be used for physical-fitness activities, concerts, film showings, parties and the like.

Conversations are now ongoing with several local organizations and individuals involved with fitness, medical services, arts and crafts, educational and recreational activities; and with small-business ventures in the food-services and entertainment areas.

Plans to reach out to other area groups are ongoing. Of special interest to the organizers are ways to attract programs aimed at a wide variety of age groups, including pre schoolers, elementary-, middle- and high-schoolers, and adults of all ages. Area individuals wishing to tour the facility or to learn more about its layout and potential opportunities for their businesses or organizations should contact The Hub by sending an e-mail toAndoverCommunitySpace@nullgmail.com.

At the same time, funding is being sought to pay the heat and light bills. With those bills amounting to an estimated $6,000 for the six-month period in which the utilities are most heavily used, Hub organizers are seeking to identify a dozen area individuals, organizations or businesses who each will chip in part of that amount to cover the cost via tax-deductible donations. To learn more, or to make an offer of support, contact The Hub via email atAndoverCommunitySpace@nullgmail.com.