September 27, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
Hingham Community Center is hosting an open house Friday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. to showcase recent renovations and to dedicate the new landscaped courtyard — all made possible by the generosity of donors, who will be honored that evening.
“We’ll be recognizing the impact of their continued support and celebrating what we’ve accomplished together,” HCC President Julia Whitney told the Hingham Anchor.
The courtyard will be dedicated in honor of late HCC board member Jeanne Murphy, whose leadership and commitment played an important part in the Center’s success.
Community members are invited to stop by at any time during the evening to view the newly-landscaped courtyard and the renovated parlor/reception room and ballroom. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to admin@hinghamcommunitycenter.org by Sept. 30.
HCC does not receive town funding so relies on generous donations from the community to cover maintenance, administrative, and other costs.
A Greenbush Historic Preservation Trust grant assisted in paying for the interior and exterior projects, Whitney said.
The HCC board has had a focus on preserving the historic Ensign Thaxter House — where the community center is based — for the use and benefit of the community since 1957, opening its doors for a wide range of activities and events.
“We’ve had a number of dedicated members for several years, and we’re looking for new members to expand the board,” Whitney said.
Carrying on the long tradition of serving the community, HCC offers diverse classes and programs for all ages, hosts community gatherings, and serves as a venue for private events for residents of Hingham and other South Shore communities.
Programs range from art, dance, tutoring, and SAT preparation to karate, theater, yoga for kids, and adult dance, fitness, and yoga classes.
Bustling with activities and events
“The community center really is a hidden gem, bustling with activities and events,” Whitney said. “It’s a unique, well-restored building that is part of the history of the town.”
Many activities take place in the large ballroom — featuring high ceilings and large windows that let in the sunlight — with direct access to the adjacent courtyard.
The parlor — featuring the art work of HCC Program Director Wray Jean Clifford — was recently refreshed “to give it a modernized look and to attract younger families as a comfortable waiting area for parents while their children are in classes as well as a beautiful space to host private events,” Whitney explained. Clifford runs a popular art program for elementary school children at the center.
The parlor may be rented in conjunction with the ballroom, courtyard, and the newly updated commercial kitchen for catered events.
The large courtyard — featuring a paver patio, grassy area, shrubbery, flowers, and other landscaping, is fenced for privacy and features custom lighting for outdoor nighttime events.
“All are available for private event rentals,” Whitney said. “We’re very inclusive. Our doors are open to everybody. All are welcome here.”
HCC, located in the heart of downtown Hingham, has hosted gatherings and activities of all kinds — from a one-year-old and other birthday parties, a fifth-grade graduation party, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, reunions, and family get-togethers to celebration of life and memorial receptions, bat mitzvahs, school and club events, sports team banquets, workshops, and Hingham Downtown Association and other business meetings.
“We’re here to serve every family in town,” Whitney said, in addition to businesses who would like to host an event there.
Kirsty Nicholson, the private rental coordinator, offers packages for different budgets and event sizes that also include tables, chairs, and tablecloths to make hosting an event easy.
“People can rent their own bands, musicians, and caterers,” Whitney said. “Our rates are very reasonable.”
HCC is also home to the Launch 2 special needs program and Hingham CARES, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce substance use among youth in the community.
“We have programs going on all day and host events on the weekends — and during the week when space is available,” Whitney said.
HCC — which recently joined the South Shore Chamber of Commerce — is also interested in partnering with individual and businesses –with different sponsorship opportunities detailed on the community center’s website — to provide financial support.
Upcoming events hosted by HCC include: Social Security Benefit Options, Nov. 12 and 14, 6 to 8 p.m., advance registration required at https://www.myafea.org/chapterevent/5002 (limited spaces available); Sip and Shop Nov. 7, 7 to 9 p.m.; Jay McLaughlin Warehouse Sale, Oct. 10-12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Old Ship Merrie Market Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and the Hingham Women’s Club Festival of Trees, Dec. 6, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Go to www.hinghamcommunitycenter.org for rental, program, sponsorship, and donation information or stop by Monday through Friday during the 9 a.m. to noon office hours. If interested in serving on the HCC board, call (781) 749-9786.
To reach Fundraising Coordinator Katherine Forbes about sponsorships, partnerships, or making a donation, email katherine@hinghamcommunitycenter.org. “We are solely dependent on the support and generous donations from local banks, restaurants, other businesses, and individuals to keep the community center vibrant,” Whitney said.
Program Director Wray Jean Clifford can be reached at wray@hinghamcommunitycenter.org and Private Rental Coordinator Kirsty Nicholson at kirsty@hinghamcommunitycenter.org.
