Save the date! Our annual open house is open to prospective members to come check out the space and learn about our parent-run co-op. The room will be open to play and we're hosting a kids clothing swap upstairs in the fellowship hall. We only host an open house once per year, so share with other families who might be interested in membership. They can come explore the space and learn more about our parent cooperative.   We are hosting a large kids clothing swap upstairs in the fellowship hall, so start cleaning out those closets! We're accepting kids clothing & shoes, ages 0 to 6. Children's books and diapers are also welcome. Open diaper packages accepted, just put in a closed bag or box to contain them.  Current members: Drop off donations at the MFR under the table in the front foyer, OR, drop off Sunday, 4/12, 2-3 pm. Non-member donation drop off: Sunday 4/12, 2-3 pm.    Current MFR members: I need many, many volunteers to make this event successful! Please sign up for a job here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A044AA9AB2BA5F58-63105858-volunteers    Specifically, we need folks for these roles: Drop off location: Do you have a porch? Prefer to complete your volunteer requirement mostly at home? Sign up to have clothing donations dropped off at your house, do some sorting, and bring clothes to the MFR on the morning of 4/12.  Set up, 2-3 pm. Help setting up tables, food, drink, games, crafts, blowing up balloons. I promise to have coffee and snacks! Running clothing swap, resetting clothes as needed, refreshing craft supplies, on 4/12, 3-5 pm. We need adults to monitor the clothing tables, make sure donations stay somewhat organized, refreshing craft supplies and helping with kids table.  Clean up, 5-5:45 pm. Clean up fellowship hall and MFR room- move tables back, pack up remaining food, crafts, games, prizes Questions? Email events@melrosefamilyroom.org

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you! 

Join us to explore various sensory activities and science experiments! What's planned so far: Exploding volcano science and some other archaeology-themed activities like a sand excavation sensory bin. Needless to say, it might get messy, so wear mess-approved clothing. 

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you! 

As a reminder, ALL member families must participate in ONE room cleaning as a condition of their membership renewal. The cleaning takes about an hour -- many hands make light work! This is the second to last cleaning! Only one more oppportunity to fulfill the cleaning requirement of your membership with the last cleaning on May 6th. Please don't wait until the last minute to get this done, the volunteer board really doesn't want to be the bearer of bad news that your family isn't eligible for membership next year because your family didn't do the room cleaning.  We need a volunteer to organize each of these cleanings, so if you would like to organize one, please let Amanda (Supplies & Maintenance Board Member) know and that will fulfill both your volunteer and room cleaning requirements.   If you have any questions, please contact me at amaher09@gmail.com

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you! 

Wear your lucky green and join Billie as she hosts some kids crafts and snacks! 

Join us at the room for an adults-only Pilates mat class, hosted by MFR member and Pilates Rx owner, Allie Duffy. Please bring your own mat if you have one and RSVP. Space is limited. 

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you! 

UPDATE: meeting is on zoom! Zoom access is at https://mit.zoom.us/my/mstopa  Passionate about our parent-run co-op?Have you wondered about joining the board of the Melrose Family Room to help sustain and grow our organization? Current board members are holding an interest meeting on 3/3/26 at 8 pm at the room. We also have an option to attend virtually via zoom. Please email board@melrosefamilyroom.org to express interest and join the meeting.    MFR Board Job Descriptions President Duties include but may not be limited to:  Facilitate monthly board meetings, including setting an agenda and running the meeting Coordinate with Communications Coordinator to develop content for the recurring newsletter Point of Contact for Church/Landlord for maintenance and emergencies issues.  Answer emails directed to president@melrosefamilyroom.org and delegate as needed  Attend New Member Orientation and Prospective Member Open House Update Member Handbook with Vice President as needed  Manage annual board transition by setting a timeline for board members to decide to return, and filling vacant positions from the membership Facilitate transition between old and new board, including Transition meetings as needed Assist new President during board transition Contact Church to let them know of new president Remind and make sure Secretary files Change of Officer form via State of MA Go to bank with Treasurer to update officers on the bank account   Vice President  Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings  Typically, one Tuesday evening a month Manage online renewal process for current and new (waitlist) members  Process is managed May - July  Review annual volunteer and/or cleaning obligations list to assess which members are eligible for renewal for the following year Spreadsheets of eligible and ineligible members are provided by Volunteer Coordinator and Supplies/Maintenance Coordinator, respectively  Manage the waitlist & tracking throughout the year Answer inquiries about the membership process Assist President and provide backup as necessary May include sharing event information and attending quarterly meetings Attend events such as Open House or New Member Orientation as needed Update Member Handbook with President as needed Orient the new VP as needed, during board transition   Treasurer Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings Manages MFR financial matters and attends monthly board meetings Budgeting, tracking, and reporting processes have been designed to maximize time efficiency with the use of Quicken and Excel Managing bank accounts, accounts receivable, and accounts payable Categorizing transactions in Quicken Preparing monthly financial reports that track budget performance Attending monthly board meetings and identifies and communicates financial opportunities and risks  Planning annual budget and producing annual financial report  Completing annual state and federal filings Ensure MFR maintains 501C4 (tax-exempt non-profit) status  Files 990N Tax form (federal) File State of MA Annual Report Responsible to keep track of annual renewals (i.e. Insurance) Contact Insurance Company to inform of any relevant board changes (i.e. President and Treasurer) Note: Insurance company - TF Ward Insurance Agency, Franklin St, Melrose) Manages P.O. Box, deposit collection/returns, and any applicable reimbursement     Communications Chair Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings  Maintain and distribute accurate meeting minutes of all monthly board meetings. Minutes should be sent within two weeks of the officer meetings and posted in the room. Prior to posting, receive approval from the President or VP if the President is unable. Maintain a communications schedule from the Board to the membership; act as point person for Board communications to streamline and consolidate Manage member WhatsApp and Facebook groups and any other MFR social media presence Maintain room bulletin boards with up to date information Can be offered and managed as volunteer opportunities to the membership group Maintain relationship with local community organizations serving families with young children, such as the North Suburban Family Network Share with membership information about relevant events Create and distribute recurring newsletter (at least 3 per year, no more than 1 per month): Coordinate with President and other board members on content May include sharing volunteer opportunities, past and upcoming events, and membership updates Maintain and assist in updating MFR bylaws and policies Orient the new Secretary as needed, during board transition   Events Coordinator (Two Co-chairs)   Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings Plan and execute events with Co-Chair and with the assistance of members of the events committee: Four annual events: Halloween, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and August outdoor event Monthly movie nights and monthly member meetups Other events at the discretion of the Coordinators Includes communication to members via emails, What’s App, website, etc. Gather member feedback on past or upcoming event ideas Coordinate with Volunteer Coordinator to maintain an accurate list of members who completed their annual volunteer requirements Coordinate with Volunteer Coordinator to provide a sufficient number of events or activities for which members may volunteer  Manage private room rentals in coordination with Treasurer and Tech Coordinator Orient the new Events Coordinator(s) during board transition   Supplies/Maintenance Coordinator Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings Responsible for the coordination and communication of 4 quarterly toy cleanings Address general maintenance needs of the room and notify President if Church needs to be informed Coordinate professional carpet cleaning during August closing week, and other possible larger maintenance projects  Ensure the MFR supplies are stocked including Arts/Crafts, paper/cleaning products, and snacks  Assist in-coming Supplies/Maintenance Coordinator in board transition   Tech Coordinator Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings Manage accurate list of Board members including appropriate online access and contact information  Maintain all applicable web platforms, including but not limited to: Website  TidyHQ platform Email system Facebook MFR Group (including adding new member requests and removing out-going and/or policy violative members) Work with Events Coordinator(s) on private room rental process Work with VP to assist and promptly resolve any new or renewing member technical issues (i.e. payment, registration and profile updates) Assist in-coming Tech Coordinator in board transition   Membership Coordinator Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings Point of Contact for any waitlisted and/or potential new members interested in learning more about the MFR. Responses include but are not limited to waitlist status, general room info, snacks, toy cleanings, and volunteer Organize and lead Open House and New Member Orientation events Ensure incoming and out-going members have key/room access needs met, including but not limited to: Issue new member key code pin Maintain accurate key code list depending on membership level and status (active or disabled) Point of Contact for any key or key code related issues for members Coordinate the annual key code assignment with landlord and VP prior to the beginning of each membership year Establish and maintain a list of volunteer opportunities that are shared with members (i.e. google doc, Sign-up genius etc.) Maintain and track record/metrics of members who completed their annual volunteer obligation and report data during Board Meeting At end of each member year provide a separate list of members who did not meet volunteer obligations and therefore are not eligible for renewal Sending communications reminding members of the volunteer opportunities obligation and providing important reminders for any applicable volunteer deadlines. Point of Contact for any item(s) members wish to donate  Assist new Volunteer Coordinator during board transition    Fundraiser Duties include but may not be limited to: Attend monthly board meetings Raise money to help the Family Room function, via events or other methods, with the support of the Board and member volunteers as needed Coordinate with events chairs to assist with creating the event on the website and communicating fundraising events with membership and community at large In conjunction with the Treasurer and support of the Board, establishing an annual fundraising goal to meet. The monies raised will be used to pay for capital improvements, events, and other suggested Room expenses. Assist in-coming Fundraiser in board transition    

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you! 

Join us for a movie night on Friday. Come in your pjs or favorite princess dress, if you want! We'll have popcorn, some fruit, cheese sticks, juice, and if enough interest, some pizza!   Please RSVP so I have enough food!    Movie choice: Cinderella 

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you!

Join us with your instruments for a sing-along! Ellen will bring her guitar and lead kids and caregivers in some kid-friendly songs. Please bring an instrument of choice if you'd like and come sing and dance away the winter blues! 

The MFR will be closed for a private event during this time. Thank you!