Hubbardston COA Tracks Unconfirmed State Grant Funds, Plans Christmas Trip

HUBBARDSTON -- March 18, 2026, Hubbardston's Council on Aging sought confirmation of roughly $16,240 in unconfirmed state formula grant payments and discussed a proposed two-night New York City Christmas trip at its March 18 meeting. Treasurer Ken reported balances including $9,339.67 in the formula grant account and said he would follow up Monday with town treasurer Liz after Director Claudia, attending by phone, provided three installment figures, $9,744 in October 2025, and $3,118.08 and $3,377.27 both dated February 26, that do not yet appear confirmed in the Council's records. Members also noted a prior warning from an interim town administrator that grant money received by the town could potentially be retained, though they declined to record that concern in the minutes without verified information. On trip planning, Claudia quoted a December 8-10 New York package at $679 to $719 per person with four to a room, requiring 40 participants, and members discussed alternatives including a Salem Cross Inn sleigh-ride day trip and an overnight Boston show, with a member suggesting Hamilton; Claudia said she needed to signal interest to the bus company by early April. The Council also agreed to have member Sue contact the newly organized Memorial Day committee, led by Stevie LaBelle, to clarify whether the COA's traditional roles running the ice cream social and providing ceremony singers would continue.