Several members of the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach volunteered June 13 to conduct a preliminary review of the nonprofit’s charter.
Jim Hassett, a Bradenton Beach resident and longtime center member, broached the idea of a charter review in May, appealing to members to also list their concerns.
Hassett encouraged members to share their input June 13, when they met at the center. “Anyone who wants to make a suggestion as to what kind of things they (think) should be done to protect Annie Silver,” he encouraged.
Hassett said the charter, written in 1955, should be modernized.
Center interim president Bruce Butler told members the center consulted attorneys for clarification of the review process.
Center member Barb Ritter next addressed expenses.
“I have contacted several law firms,” Ritter said. “Barnes and Walker, for a new one, would cost $1,500. If they just look at what we have already and make changes, it will cost $365 per hour.
“Another that works specifically on nonprofit agreements charges $300 per hour,” she added.
Center member Michael Tyrrell suggested the group identify the most relevant concerns in the charter before hiring an attorney.
Hassett, Butler, Ritter and Tyrrell volunteered to head up a preliminary review of the charter to make recommendations to the board.
In other news, the center building, 103 23rd St. N., will get a face-lift with a mural.
Hassett motioned to approve a $400 mural by center member Robert Reiber and was seconded by center member Carlos Santos. The motion passed 10-0.
Members said the mural should depict a scene reflecting the center’s history.
Reiber, who teaches art classes at the center, said the mural could be done this fall.
The next center meeting will be at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 24.
About the center
The Annie Silver Community Center was formed in the 1950s to provide a meeting place and promote goodwill in the Bradenton Beach community.
Annie Silver, who donated the building that bears her name, wanted the center to be owned by the community for bingo games, book club meetings, garden shows and shared suppers.
The center began operating in 1952.
People can join the center for $5 a year.
For more information, contact Jim Hassett at 413-441-6823 or Bruce Butler at 513-368-6454.