The Harwich Community Center is navigating a wave of public confusion following the town’s decision to move beach and transfer station sticker sales away from the facility. During the latest Community Center Facilities Committee meeting, Director Carolyn Carey addressed the mounting tension as residents—many of whom are accustomed to in-person service at the center—find themselves redirected to online or mail-in processes. Carey clarified that the decision was not made by her board or the Recreation Department, but staff are attempting to bridge the gap by providing physical applications for those without computer access. I want to clarify this was not a decision of the Community Center or this board, Carey said, noting that she has heard from many frustrated locals. If you are frustrated, please come see me; don't take it out on the staff.

The shift has particularly affected seniors who may not be computer literate. One committee member questioned the logic of the move, noting, A lot of seniors are not computer literate. What are they going to do with those people? I thought it was perfect here at the Community Center. While the center cannot process the payments for security reasons, Program Coordinator Reagan noted that they are still helping where they can. If people come to the Community Center, they can pick up an application, she said. We are happy to provide that service so they don't have to worry about printing it. Carey added that while officials are hearing the public’s desire for Saturday hours and in-person options, the center is currently not part of those policy conversations.

In a move to modernize building management, the committee reviewed the purchase of three new scanning stations for the My Community Center software system. These stations will be distributed throughout the building to provide more accurate data on facility usage, particularly for the weight room and various classes. Carey explained that the goal is to have instructors scan in the number of participants to ensure the town has better records of how the building is being utilized. This technological investment follows the recent approval of a $140,598 contract for new condensing units, continuing a series of capital improvements that recently included new gym bleachers, ceiling fans, and fresh carpeting in several rooms. The facility also received a boost from a private donor who funded an outside cleanup and landscaping project in memory of a friend. Carey expressed deep appreciation for the gift, noting the work should be completed by mid-June.

The committee also marked a significant leadership transition as Ben, a six-year member of the board and 20-year veteran of the Recreation Commission, attended his final meeting. Ben raised ongoing concerns about parking capacity, suggesting the town look into land usage behind the center or near the high school to accommodate the growing senior softball league. The guys in softball are bewildered by all the things we have going on here. It's the best thing that happened in the town, Ben said, though he warned that the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the 400-player league. Reflecting on his tenure, he added, When I first was asked to serve as liaison six years ago, I didn't know what I was doing. Carolyn took me under her wing... we've done an awful lot. Leah McCurial has volunteered to step in as his replacement.

Administrative business included the approval of the previous month's records. Motion Made by an unidentified female member to accept the minutes with the amendments as proposed by Chris (3-0-0). Committee member Chris requested specific changes to the record, including a correction in item six to call Carolyn 'Carolyn' instead of 'Carrie' and updating the schedule for community spaghetti dinners. Regarding the vacant seat left by former member Ralph, Carey reported that white smoke had emerged from the Council on Aging, with two candidates currently vying for the position. A new member is expected to be seated by the next meeting.

The meeting concluded with a recap of successful community events, including the multi-generational plant and seedling day and the inaugural Adult Prom, which drew nearly 60 attendees. Upcoming highlights include the return of Cape Harmony, an all-female acapella group, on Friday nights starting June 13, and a summer kickoff ice cream party on June 27. Carey reminded residents that while the building is hectic during summer camp season, staff are available to help navigate room changes and outdoor meeting spaces.