Please see below for a more detailed look at serving on an
Olde Franklin Towne Committee. Thank you for considering volunteering!
(You do not need to be a Board Member to volunteer)
Community Corner
Lead: Rachel Sabada
This committee was temporarily placed "on hold" this past year as we diverted our efforts towards understanding our current financial status and future financial needs. We are ready to re-launch this committee with fresh ideas and funding plans to create a beautiful space for all OFT neighbors to enjoy.
Commitment:
-
Attend quarterly planning meetings (or additional meetings as necessary)
-
Research potential structures and other additions to the community space (i.e. playground structures, picnic benches, shelters, concrete pads, walking paths etc.)
-
Meet with business representatives "in the field" to present plans and design the community space
-
Gather detailed expense proposals for each community corner structure or addition, to present to the Board
-
Research potential fundraising avenues
-
Assist with neighborhood-wide communications to keep neighbors up-to-date on progress
-
Assist with any communication distribution as necessary
Events
Lead: Rachel Sabada
The Events Committee has greatly expanded the opportunities for OFT neighbors to get together throughout the year. If you are passionate about bringing neighbors together through fun and creative events, this is the committee for you!
Commitment:
-
Meet throughout the year to plan and implement events around OFT (committee will meet more frequently prior to planned events)
-
Help to create a list of new and annual events to implement throughout the year
-
Work with the Treasurer to plan a budget for proposed events
-
Assist with fundraising or donation collections for events if necessary
-
Assist with planning and implementing the Annual Block Party (usually in late July or early August)
-
Help other committees plan and implement events (i.e. trail clean-up days, fundraising events, etc.)
-
Help with set-up and tear-down for planned events
Finance
Lead: Rachel Sabada
The Finance Committee was created in 2025 to oversee dues collection, annual budget, and projected expenses. This committee is currently comprised of five board members, including the President and Vice President serving as advisors. If you are interested in carefully monitoring the OFT budget throughout the year and exploring new contracts and ways in which we can be fiscally responsible, this may be the committee for you!
Commitment:
-
Meet prior to each quarterly Board Meeting to review finances
-
Review current financial status, expenses, and proposed yearly expenses
-
Assist with annual dues collection
-
Pursue bids and contracts with vendors as necessary to optimize spending
-
Track annual expenditures to ensure fiscally responsible decisions are being made
Grounds
Lead: Ted Bishop and Jim Schelberg
The Grounds Committee is committed to keeping our entrances, common areas, cul-de-sacs, and water-wheel area looking maintained and beautiful. If you are passionate about keeping these areas preserved and working with the vendors who maintain these areas, this may be the committee for you!
Commitment:
-
Meet prior to quarterly Board meetings, or additionally as necessary
-
Oversee the maintenance of grounds areas and communicate needs to our vendors
-
Obtain quotes from our vendors for various projects outside of our annual contract (i.e. tree trimming, tree removal, debris clean-up, spot treatments, additional plants etc.)
-
Monitor grounds maintenance to ensure contract agreements are being fulfilled
-
Assist with clean-up days as necessary
-
Assist with maintenance of areas as necessary (i.e. small tree branch removal, light weeding, planting, maintaining water wheel pond etc.)
-
Pursue bids for snow removal to present to Board members
Hospitality
Lead: Clarice Bridges
We are excited to launch the brand new Hospitality Committee this year! This committee will include the following three areas of hospitality:
-
Meeting and welcoming new neighbors to the neighborhood (hopefully with a plate of cookies!)
-
Making meals for any neighbors in need
-
Helping neighbors with small household projects
You are welcome to help with one, two or all three areas of this committee! If baking, cooking, or handyman projects are your jam, we would love to have you!
Commitment:
-
This committee may not need to meet quarterly, rather as needs arise in the neighborhood (after initial meeting)
-
Stay in communication with the Committee Lead (Clarice Bridges), to respond to needs in the community
-
Be willing to make cookies or treats for new neighbors and welcome them to the neighborhood
-
Make meals for neighbors in need (i.e. a neighbor who has recently been hospitalized, experienced a loss, etc.)
-
Be willing to help neighbors with small household projects, especially for those who may be physically unable (i.e. raking leaves, small household fixes, moving furniture, etc.)
Are you or a neighbor in need of some hospitality?
Please reach out to Clarice: CLaurel717(at)gmail.com to see how we can help. (Please put "Hospitality" in the subject line)
Trails & Street Safety
Lead: Steve Reifman
The Trails Committee is committed to keeping our beautiful walking trails maintained, safe, and accessible to all neighbors. If you enjoy walking our trails and making sure they are maintained this may be the committee for you!
Commitment:
-
Meet quarterly to discuss trail needs
-
Keep communication open with neighboring communities to maintain trail safety and upkeep
-
Organize and implement trail clean-up days to maintain walking paths
-
Periodically check trails for debris, fallen branches etc. that need removal
-
Help to remove small fallen branches that pose safety risks
-
Pursue bids as necessary for larger tree removal
-
Continue to work with city officials to ensure street safety