H.E.R.O. Teen Center thanks Hartland trustees, cites need for donations and summer program planning

Kay Fountain, a representative of the Hartland Enrichment and Recreation Organization (H.E.R.O.), told the Hartland Township Board on May 5 that the HERO Teen Center has operated in the old Township Hall since 2012 and now serves more than 30 young people each day. She thanked the board for ongoing support and for community partners such as St. John's Catholic Church for regular food and supply donations.

Russ Greer, a HERO board member who also serves as a mentor and chef at the Teen Center, and several Teen Center students described recent interior improvements, new furniture and how those changes have increased usable space. The students presented a short video about daily activities at the center.

Fountain said the Teen Center operates solely on donations and township support. She told the board the center will not run a summer program in 2026 but that HERO staff are negotiating with Howell Parks and Recreation about a possible 2027 summer offering. Trustee Petrucci and Trustee Lubeski were noted as serving on the HERO board; Trustee Petrucci was credited with helping start the center.

Fountain also described an Eagle Scout project by Sawyer McDonald that refurbished a Hoop House and added four metal mesh planting tables; staff have begun planting seeds there. Supervisor Fountain thanked the presenters and commended the students for speaking to the board.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; HERO representatives asked for continued support and recognition of community donations and volunteer efforts.