Hello member families! We’ve had a great start to the membership year, bringing back events, volunteering, snacks, and all the things that make the MFR a great place to spend time and meet friends. Please keep reading for some important updates, reminders, and action items as we dive into 2023. Happy New Year!
Important Updates
We have updated our Member Handbook. Please take a moment to review it for the most recent policies and procedures. It can be found in the Members Only section of our website: https://melrosefamilyroom.org/public/pages/member-handbook.
Members can now book room rentals online! Room rentals are available for Saturday afternoons on a first-come, first-served basis. Book ahead now! (And don’t forget to check the calendar before you head in to the room on a Saturday afternoon–we are often booked for parties.)
While you are in your member profile checking out those links, please take a moment to add your child(ren)’s birthday(s) in your member profile–this is optional and will be used to celebrate your kiddos on seasonal birthday boards in the room!
Member Survey
It’s time for our annual member survey, and we need your feedback! We are asking for input on past and future events, room improvements, and parent enrichment. Please take a few moments to fill it out by Friday, February 10th. Members who complete the survey can enter a raffle: three winners will receive $25 off either a room rental or next year’s membership!
Volunteer Requirement
The Melrose Family Room is a member-run co-op with a volunteer requirement, which is a critical part of maintaining and building our community. As a reminder, families who have not fulfilled their volunteer requirement (in addition to the cleaning requirement) by May 1st, 2023 will not be offered a renewal for the 2023-2024 membership year.
Luckily, there are lots of ways to volunteer! Most of our events have associated volunteer opportunities, so look out for emails from our Events and Volunteer coordinators. Alternatively, many members choose their own way to contribute. Some ideas include:
- organize a part of the room or storage cabinets
- test the markers and toss the dried out ones
- make a batch of playdough for kids to use in the room
- volunteer to host a playgroup, story time, or any craft/event you’d like to see
- organize a member meetup at a local playground
- anything you can think of in service of the MFR!
Historically, many events were organized and run by volunteers, and it’s one of the ways this community is so active! Don’t hesitate to email events@melrosefamilyroom.org if you have an idea you’d like to run by us. If you help with room upkeep or organization, email our Volunteer Coordinator at katemcguire88@gmail.com with a short description of what you did to ensure you are checked off for that requirement.
Recent Events
We had some great member events in the fall, including a Halloween party, a tea party, and a holiday puppet show. See below for some photos, and thanks to those who volunteered to help make these events happen!
Thank You!
Thank you to each of our families! The board has been busy this year learning old systems and creating new ones as we rebuild from the shutdown and board/membership turnover, and in our 35th year the MFR is on its way to being better than ever. If you have any input, questions, or ideas, please email president@melrosefamilyroom.org. We’ll see you at the Room!