So how are things going at The Andover Hub (the new name for Andover’s 1879 town hall) these days?

That was the question the Beacon posed to the folks who are working to return The Hub  to its original purpose as a center of community activity.

The short answer: Very well, as a result of lots of hard work, and lots of interest in uses of the space.  Yet more work and interest are required.

A longer answer, as supplied by the Hub partners:  First, some of the work that’s been done since the building acquired its new owners in late 2016:

• Cleared out all the office equipment, etc., that was left behind
• Completed some exterior painting
• Removed all carpeting
• Plugged up all holes in stone foundation
• Installed motion sensor lights at each exit
• Improved stairs to dance studio
• Improved air-conditioning of dance studio
• Installed new access hardware with combination lock
• Repaired old boiler
• Repaired all baseboard registers (41 leaks soldered)
• Installed flood lights
• Created new exterior signage
• Leveled up dance studio floor
• Created exhibit space for artwork and photography
• Replaced ceiling fixtures in meeting room
• Replaced ceiling fixtures on second floor
• Reinforced support of rear roof and dance studio ceiling
• Eliminated varmint access and residency
• Fixed urinal, replaced toilet seats
• Reinforced gate to back staircase in dance studio
• Sanded floors on main level
• Installed new electric hot-water heater
• Repainted hallway and meeting rooms
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Second, a list of programs, workshops and other events that have occurred or been scheduled since September of last year:

• Yoga (3 teachers)
• Tai Chi
• Zumba
• Karate lessons
• “Coffee at the Hub”
• “Christmas is for Kids” party
• Reiki
• Bone Builders
• Personal exercise training
• Weekly ongoing crafts group
• Twice-weekly “coffee and conversation” sessions
• Dinnerware decoupage
• Needle felting
• Ukrainian Easter egg decorating
• Dog training
• Music with Friends (for little kids and their caregivers)
• Computer help
• German conversation hour
• VNA presentation — How to Prevent Falls
• VNA presentation — How to Keep your Brain Sharp
• VNA senior health clinic
• Weekly cribbage night
• Individual counseling sessions
• Music lessons
• The Hub Closet — upcycled craft supplies
• Paint & Sip
• Birthday party rental
• Baby shower rental
• Board meetings of community organizations
 
Meanwhile, Hub partners say, the need for additional repair/rehab/restoration work continues, as does the need to identify new sources of revenue, volunteer support and programming.  Stay tuned for details, or contact andovercommunityspace@nullgmail.com for more information.