Commission backs plan to move recreation office to community center basement, launches lobster‑raffle fundraiser

The Brentwood Recreation Commission agreed to pursue a plan to convert basement space at the community center into a recreation office and program room and to begin fundraising to cover materials and volunteer labor.
Commissioners said the basement location would create a visible, accessible office and free space at the recreation building. Jason, the program coordinator, and Andy, the recreation director, described a volunteer‑led renovation plan; builder Matt Eaton has reviewed the space and identified a plan that would add storage, a mini kitchen and make the area functional for senior programs and rentals. Volunteers and donated materials would reduce costs.
Laura Hajjar organized a fundraiser: Ward Byrne donated 12 live lobsters for a raffle, with tickets priced at $20. The commission set a tentative fundraising event for Sept. 6, coinciding with opening weekend for fall sports; raffle ticket pickup was scheduled for Sept. 13. Laura estimated the raffle could raise about $5,000 if volunteers and commissioners help sell tickets at the fields the opening morning. Commissioners discussed using Venmo or Stripe QR codes at a table on opening day; staff agreed to produce payment QR codes and print tickets.
Commissioners stressed one sequencing constraint: complete the furnace/HVAC replacement before finishing office construction if the HVAC work requires ductwork or other structural access. They also agreed the commission can explore and solicit donations and volunteer labor while pursuing formal select board approvals if the renovation requires town sign‑off. Jason and volunteers plan to start detailed plans and fundraising immediately and return to the commission with a timeline and expenditures.